The Chimpanzee from Angola: Enlightenment Era Natural History Engraving, 1738

About this sheet

This finely detailed 18th-century engraving depicts a young chimpanzee standing upright, holding a staff, amidst a pastoral landscape. The engraving highlights the curiosity and fascination with exotic animals during the Enlightenment period.

The chimpanzee is described in French and Dutch texts as being 21 months old, 2 feet 4 inches tall, and brought from Angola in 1738, reflecting both the scientific interest and colonial connections of the time. The charming composition combines anatomical accuracy with anthropomorphic characteristics, offering a glimpse into the evolving understanding of primates during the era.

The maker of the engraving is Jakob van der Schley (1715–1779), as his name ("J. van Schley direxit") is visible on the engraving. Jakob van der Schley was a prominent Dutch engraver of the 18th century, known for his detailed and precise work, often in collaboration with historical and scientific publications.

This attribution aligns with his body of work, which frequently illustrated travel accounts, natural history subjects, and ethnographic studies during the Enlightenment period. His engravings were particularly valued for their accuracy and aesthetic quality, making this piece an excellent example of his craftsmanship.

Translation of the Dutch and French Text: "Chimpanzee, aged 21 months, height 2 feet 4 inches, brought from

Condition Report: The engraving is in very good condition for its age, with a clean impression on laid paper. The margins are wide and show only minor handling wear, including faint age-related toning and a small, unobtrusive edge tear that does not affect the image or text. The engraving retains excellent contrast and detail, making it a desirable addition for collectors of 18th-century natural history prints or exotic animal depictions.