Twee dwergen voor de maand januari, 1720 1718 - 1720

This print, titled 'Two Dwarves for the Month of January', was made in 1720, likely in the Dutch Republic. It’s attributed to Joost van Sassen and presents us with a satirical commentary on societal figures, specifically through the lens of class and perhaps physical appearance. Note how the artist employs caricature to exaggerate features, which was a common visual strategy in the 18th century for social critique. Consider the elaborate costumes and wigs, visual cues of wealth and status. The text accompanying the image – in Dutch and French – suggests a commentary on social climbing or perhaps the superficiality of the upper classes. This print invites us to consider the role of art in shaping public opinion during the Dutch Golden Age. To understand this piece further, we might look into Dutch social customs of the period, the history of caricature, and the artist’s biography. These layers of meaning can be uncovered by researchers and historians, and they are essential for understanding the cultural work of the image.