For over a century now, a number of researchers have explored the evolutionary emergence of mark-making and drawing behaviors through studies in monkeys and apes, and particularly in chimpanzees. Their observations and results remain relevant to this day and underline the interest of this question and the questions that remain to be answered. The present review begins by retracing the historical timeline of this specific and challenging topic from the earliest anecdotal evidence to the first systematic studies in the 1930s. We then describe how the research became more empirical through the use of stimulus figures, the examination of color choices, or even exploring outline-making processes. We discuss the use of touch screens in the 1990s, which enriched our knowledge by providing an opportunity for data collection and innovative analysis. Finally, we underline several key points that are of importance for future investigations into the mark-making process in nonhuman primates.