De dwerg Mopsus Poesegroes, 1720 1718 - 1720

Andries van Buysen Senior created this print titled, "De dwerg Mopsus Poesegroes," around 1720. The print depicts a dwarf-like figure, identified as Mopsus Poesegroes, who the inscription says is a weather forecaster. During the early 18th century, societal attitudes toward disability were complex. On one hand, disabled individuals were often marginalized and excluded. On the other hand, some found employment as entertainers or curiosities, as perhaps seen here. It's difficult to view this caricature outside of the ableist norms of the time. The figure's exaggerated features and diminutive stature border on the grotesque, which was a common form of humor at the time. But the inscription hints at another layer: that this figure profits off of trickery. This satire encourages us to think about who gets to hold power and what characteristics society deems worthy. It's unclear whether the artist seeks to empower or demean his subject. This tension invites us to reflect on the narratives we create around difference and the emotional impact of those representations.