De dwerg Nicolo Caccatrippa als harlekijn, ca. 1710 1705 - 1715

Around 1710, Martin Engelbrecht created this etching of Nicolo Caccatrippa, a dwarf, dressed as Harlequin. This character comes to us from the Commedia dell’Arte, a popular form of improvisational theater which originated in Italy, and spread throughout Europe between the 16th and 18th centuries. Harlequin characters often wore a black mask and were known for their wit, agility, and mischievousness. The Commedia dell'Arte was unique because it allowed for social commentary and critique, giving marginalized voices a platform to express themselves. Here, we see how the figure of Harlequin is racialized and how it intersects with the representation of disability. Engelbrecht’s print raises questions about how identities were performed, perceived, and consumed in the 18th century, challenging traditional norms and creating space for alternative narratives. It reveals how the performance of identity can be both a form of resistance and a reflection of societal biases.