De Franse dwerg Don Luis Champ-merdant, ca. 1710 1705 - 1715

Martin Engelbrecht’s etching from around 1710, now held in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a figure known as ‘The French Dwarf Don Luis Champ-merdant’. This artwork needs to be understood within the context of 18th-century European courts, where individuals with dwarfism sometimes held specific roles, often navigating a complex terrain of entertainment and marginalization. The figure’s exaggerated features, elaborate military attire, and the accompanying text point to a satirical commentary on power, social status, and perhaps the perceived absurdities of the aristocracy. Champ-merdant is presented both as a figure of authority and ridicule. In this tension, the etching raises questions about the gaze, inviting us to reflect on how societal norms shape our perceptions and treatment of those who diverge from the norm. How does the artwork confront us with uncomfortable questions about representation, power, and the dignity of the individual?