De dwerg Neef Jan van Spanje, 1720 1718 - 1720

"De dwerg Neef Jan van Spanje," a satirical engraving by Joost van Sassen, depicts a caricature of a dwarf, possibly a portrait of Jan van Spanje, the nephew of the Spanish king. The etching, dated 1718-1720, showcases the artist's use of exaggerated features and a comical pose to highlight the subject's stature and character. The surrounding text in German, likely a satirical caption, further contributes to the mocking tone of the piece. This work exemplifies the Dutch artistic tradition of using caricature to critique social and political figures, making it a fascinating visual commentary on the politics of its time.