De dwerg Crispin Skarnitz, ca. 1710 1705 - 1715

Martin Engelbrecht crafted this colored etching of Crispin Skarnitz around 1710. Note the oversized hat, a symbol deeply rooted in the iconography of status and identity. The hat, here exaggerated, echoes the Roman pileus, a symbol of freedom and citizenship. The "cap of liberty" returns in various guises—from the Phrygian caps of the French Revolution to political cartoons, always signifying rebellion or allegiance to a cause. Similarly, the walking stick suggests authority, like a scepter. How does this differ from the ceremonial staffs carried by ancient priests? Or the shepherd's crook, symbolizing care and leadership? The dwarf Skarnitz, despite his diminutive stature, becomes a vessel for these grand symbols. It is a reminder of the power of symbols to transcend physical form, engaging our subconscious, and inviting us to explore the intricate dance between past and present.