Portret van de Zwitserse dwerg Hans after 1669

Johannes Drappentier etched this portrait of Hans the Swiss dwarf, likely in the late 17th or early 18th century in the Netherlands. The image presents us with a number of complex ideas about social class, disability, and representation. Hans is depicted in a style that exaggerates his physical features, a common trope in depictions of dwarfs at this time. He's dressed in finery and holds himself with an aristocratic bearing, with the hat, sword and cane, but the overall effect is somewhat comical to our eyes. To understand this image, we need to consider the historical context in which it was made. During this period, individuals with dwarfism were often employed as court jesters or entertainers, their physical differences both a source of amusement and a signifier of status for their patrons. This portrait, therefore, raises important questions about the power dynamics inherent in representation and the ways in which social norms can shape our perceptions of others. We might look to other images of court jesters or consider histories of disability to better understand this work. Ultimately, the meaning of this image is contingent on its social and institutional context.