About This Image

Mieth (April 9, 1909 - February 14, 1998) was haunted throughout her life by her encounter with this monkey and the image she captured -- she even had a dialogue in a dream with the pensive, angry animal. It is a signature photo for Mieth which first appeared in the January 16, 1939 issue of Life magazine on page 19, accompanied by the caption, "A misogynist seeks solitude in the Caribbean off Puerto Rico." According to the magazine, a primatologist explained that "the chatter of innumerable female monkeys had impelled this neurotic bachelor to seek escape from the din" by fleeing the jungle and making his way into the waves.

This is the last print made in the Time Inc. Photo Lab from the original negative before a limited edition was issued in 1995.

After moving from Germany with her husband, fellow photographer Otto Hagel, Hansel Mieth (April 9, 1909 - February 14, 1998) became a WPA photographer in the West Coast Project from 1934-1936. She then was a staff photographer for Life magazine from 1937-1941, and worked for Time, Inc., after moving to California in 1941.

She specialized in medical research stories. Born Johanna Mieth, she became friends with Hagel at age 15. At that time she masqueraded as his little brother, and he nicknamed her "Hanzel," which she used throughout the rest of her life.

See: Steichen, Memorable Life Photographs, n.p.; Best of LIFE pg. 303.

Most U.S. domestic Fed Ex ground shipping (Media Mail for books) is free of charge except for larger and heavier items, or unless the buyer wants express shipping (email us your requests for the latter). International shipping and insurance costs will be added to the price and must be paid for by the buyer. Pennsylvania buyers must pay appropriate local sales tax. International clients are responsible for their local customs duties and taxes, which will be charged by Fed Ex, which will contact the client prior to delivery.