Twee bladzijden met dwergen, ca. 1720 1770 - 1780

This anonymous 18th-century etching, "Twee bladzijden met dwergen," is a satirical depiction of two dwarfs. Created between 1770 and 1780, this small work (measuring just 94 mm x 126 mm) uses caricature to mock the figures. The left panel portrays a dwarf holding a staff and a lantern, seemingly lecturing someone off-screen, while the right panel features a dwarf with a large, open mouth, holding a bagpipe and looking like he's about to sing. Both figures are exaggerated and humorous, likely intended to entertain and comment on the cultural perceptions of dwarfs during that time. The inscription below the figures suggests that they are associated with either education ("Bestel uw Kinders by Pedant") or entertainment ("Hier's' Praeycurjeus van Sieur Marmotte"). This piece offers insight into the humor and social commentary of 18th-century printmaking.