De dwerg Oswald van Stroblbardt, ca. 1710 1705 - 1715

This 18th-century etching, titled "De dwerg Oswald van Stroblbardt," by Dutch artist Martin Engelbrecht depicts a dwarf named Oswald in a dignified pose. Oswald wears a tall green hat, a long blue cloak, and a red and gold-trimmed jacket, emphasizing his status and grandeur despite his stature. The caricature-like portrait is a humorous and insightful commentary on the societal perception of dwarfs, common in Dutch art of the period, and a reflection of the popular "dwarfmania" of the time, a period when dwarfs were often celebrated and exhibited as curiosities. This etching is a fine example of 18th-century Dutch graphic art, offering a glimpse into the social and cultural contexts of the era.