Francken played a key role in the development of the genre of the singerie, i.e. comical paintings of monkeys in human activities and attire, often to highlight the folly of humanity. The French-language word ‘singerie’ means a ‘comical grimace, behavior or trick’. Comical scenes with monkeys appearing in human attire and a human environment are a pictorial genre that was initiated in Flemish painting in the 16th century and was subsequently further developed in the 17th century.

Monkeys playing Backgammon by Frans Francken the Younger

This looks like it has the potential to make a great [email protected] post.

Damnit Death, I asked for a dirge, not fucking Riverdance.

Cool coincidence, I saw this painting in person as part of a temporary exhibition in Montreal just last week.