Items Similar to Antique 1828 Hand-Colored Satirical Print Titled "The Monkey-Cupid"
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Antique 1828 Hand-Colored Satirical Print Titled "The Monkey-Cupid"
About the Item
Antique 1828 Satirical Print "The Monkey-Cupid" by Thomas Landseer — Hand-Colored Etching from Monkeyana
This rare and whimsically satirical hand-colored etching titled "The Monkey-Cupid" was created in 1828 by British artist Thomas Landseer (1793–1880). It forms part of his highly collectible series Monkeyana, or Men in Miniature, a clever 19th-century publication that humorously anthropomorphized monkeys to reflect and critique human nature, folly, and social behavior.
In this particular print, Landseer transforms Cupid—the god of love—into a mischievous monkey. The creature, adorned with feathery blue wings and a crown of red roses, kneels among lush foliage and roses, preparing to unleash an arrow of love from a dramatically curved red bow. A second arrow rests on the ground beneath the monkey’s tail, which loops around to form both a ring and a love-knot—traditional symbols of affection and romantic entanglement.
Landseer’s use of the monkey as Cupid brilliantly plays on the themes of love, desire, and transformation. His satire is underscored by the playful verse engraved beneath the image, which reads:
*What wanton tricks sly Cupid plays,*
*When o’er the rogues let loose!*
*A God he’s turn’d into a swain,*
*And man into a goose!*
This verse comically suggests that when Cupid is left unchecked, even gods behave foolishly and humans more so—succumbing to absurdities in the name of love.
Executed with exceptional detail and artistry, this etching displays fine linework characteristic of Landseer’s technique, further enhanced by the rich, hand-applied coloring. It is signed in the plate and printed on laid paper with wide margins, mounted in a cream mat.
A charming and intelligent example of early Victorian satirical art, The Monkey-Cupid is an excellent piece for collectors of antique prints, lovers of British visual satire, or anyone drawn to the intersection of fine art and humor.
Framed, this piece would make an elegant and thought-provoking addition to any interior.
Artist: Thomas Landseer (1793–1880)
Date: 1828
Medium:** Hand-colored etching
Provenance: From Monkeyana, or Men in Miniature
- Dimensions:Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)Width: 11.82 in (30 cm)Depth: 0.12 in (3 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1828
- Condition:Good, given age. Some small surface damages in the right margin (closed with archival tape). A faint dampstain in the lower right margin. Small stains in the margins. Print sold in matting. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: PCT-566281stDibs: LU3054344649322
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,420 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllAntique 1828 Satirical Print The Impotence of the Uniform Hand-Colored
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique 1828 Satirical Print The Impotence of the Uniform Hand-Colored
This dramatic and humorous hand-colored etching, titled *The Impotence of the Uniform*, is part of Monkeyana, ...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique 1828 Satirical Print When First I Saw Thee Graceful Move Hand-Colored
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique 1828 Satirical Print When First I Saw Thee Graceful Move Hand-Colored
This engaging and humorous hand-colored etching is titled 'When First I Saw Thee Graceful Move' and was...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique 1828 Hand-Colored Satirical Print Great Skills Have They in Palmistry
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique 1828 Hand-Colored Satirical Print Great Skills Have They in Palmistry
This charming and humorous hand-colored etching is titled Great Skills Have They in Palmistry and was p...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique 1828 Satirical Print A Fool to Pleasure Yet a Slave to Fame Hand-Colored
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique 1828 Satirical Print A Fool to Pleasure Yet a Slave to Fame Hand-Colored
This hand-colored etching titled *A Fool to Pleasure Yet a Slave to Fame* was published in 1828 as p...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
Satirical Hand-colored Engraving of Monkeys at Billiards, 1871
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Monkeys at Billiards - Published in *The Days' Doings*, June 17, 1871. After a drawing by Paul Meyerheim.
This whimsical and satirical hand-colored engraving, titled Monkey...
Category
Antique 1870s Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Satirical Print of Napoleon Fleeing from the Battlefield '1815'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Buonaparte au Mont St. Jean, fait usage de son talisment ordinaire'. Rare satirical print of Napoleon fleeing from the battlefield. He is similarly dressed except that he wears a cuirass, the back and front joined by straps, and his empty scabbard hangs at his side. He looks over his shoulder at his little son (right) who runs after him, holding up a toy windmill on a stick. Napoleon's sabre and star of the Legion of Honour lie on the ground (right). The child, styled in France during the Hundred Days Prince Imperial...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$927 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
Set of Four Hand Colored Monkey Prints
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This set of four hand colored copper plate engravings are illustrations by early 19th century naturalist J. H. Jacob first published in Italy in 1812, and are referred to as "Jacob's...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Regency Prints
Materials
Copper
$4,800 / set
Antique Hand Colored Print of Chinese Life
Located in Rochester, NY
Early 19th century hand colored engraving of Chinese life. Original print from "The punishments of China" illustrated by twenty-two engravings by Mason, George Henry; Dadley, J. P. P...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Prints
Materials
Paint, Paper
Pair Of Antique Hand Colored Botanical Prints
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Taken after “La Botanique Mise a la Portee de Tout le Monde”, originally published in Paris 1774-1780, written by Nicolas Francois Regnault and illustrated by his wife, Genevieve de ...
Category
Antique 19th Century Country Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
$2,250 / set
Antique Hand Colored Print of European Notable c 1800's A
Located in Pasadena, CA
Antique Hand Colored Print of European Notable c 1800's in Original Octagonal Frame with Printed Round Mat, Italian.
11" x 11" x 1" h
Category
Antique 18th Century Prints
Materials
Wood, Paper
Antique Hand Colored Print of European Notable c 1800's E
Located in Pasadena, CA
Antique Hand Colored Print of European Notable c 1800's in Original Octagonal Frame with Printed Round Mat, Italian.
11" x 11" x 1" h
Category
Antique 19th Century Prints
Materials
Wood, Paper
Antique Hand Colored Print of European Notable c 1800's D
Located in Pasadena, CA
Antique Hand Colored Print of European Notable c 1800's in Original Octagonal Frame with Printed Round Mat, Italian.
11" x 11" x 1" h
Category
Antique 19th Century Prints
Materials
Wood, Paper
