Who painted Three Cats and Two Monkeys?

Three Cats and Two Monkeys was painted by Adriaen Collaert in 1597.

Where can I see Three Cats and Two Monkeys?

Three Cats and Two Monkeys is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Three Cats and Two Monkeys?

Three Cats and Two Monkeys is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Three Cats and Two Monkeys?

Museum-quality prints of Three Cats and Two Monkeys are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Three Cats and Two Monkeys

Adriaen Collaert , 1597

Three Cats and Two Monkeys is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Adriaen Collaert. It dates from 1597 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Adriaen Collaert's 1597 engraving, Three Cats and Two Monkeys, depicts a dynamic interaction between three felines and two primates arranged in a compact, central composition. The scene captures a moment of tension and play, with one cat arching its back defensively while a monkey grasps a nut, suggesting a narrative of rivalry or curiosity. Executed on laid paper, the work demonstrates Collaert's mastery of the burin, utilizing dense cross-hatching to render the distinct textures of fur and the play of light and shadow across the figures.

This print belongs to a series of animal subjects produced by the Antwerp artist during the late sixteenth century, a period when such detailed naturalistic studies were highly valued by collectors. Collaert, known for his collaborations with designers like Jan Brueghel the Elder, often translated complex compositions into prints that circulated widely across Europe. This specific work exemplifies the Flemish tradition of combining meticulous observation of animal behavior with intricate technical execution, serving both as an artistic study and a collectible object within the broader context of Northern Renaissance printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The work juxtaposes familiar European pets, cats, with exotic primates, a pairing that would have appealed to contemporary curiosity about foreign fauna. The cats’ alert postures and the monkeys’ playful grip on a nut suggest a scene of animated curiosity rather than a narrative episode.

Technique & Style

Collaert employs fine cross‑hatching to render the texture of fur and the subtle play of light across the figures. The engraving’s line work creates depth and volume, while the contrast between the smoothness of the monkeys’ skin and the cats’ shaggy coats emphasizes their differing natures.

History & Provenance

The print belongs to a larger series of animal studies that Collaert produced for the burgeoning market of collectors in the late sixteenth century. These prints were circulated as individual sheets, often bound in albums that catered to the taste for naturalistic yet decorative subjects.

Context

During the late Renaissance, European artists increasingly incorporated exotic animals into their work, reflecting expanding trade routes and a fascination with the natural world. Collaert’s inclusion of monkeys alongside cats mirrors this trend, offering viewers a blend of the familiar and the foreign.