Hektoen International

A Journal of Medical Humanities

Tag: The Barber-Surgeon’s Shop Operated by Monkeys

  • Monkeys as barber-surgeons

    Monkeys play a great role in the work of Coryn (Quirjin) Boel the Younger (1620–1668), engraver of Brussels and Antwerp. Specialized in making engravings of old masters, especially those of David Teniers, he often shows monkeys playing backgammon, giving concerts, or enjoying sophisticated breakfasts. At a time when most of healthcare in Europe was provided…