De dwerg Gilles Platfues als Franse dansmeester, ca. 1710 1705 - 1715

This satirical etching by Martin Engelbrecht depicts Gilles Platfues, a dwarf who was a dance master at the Académie de Louvreaux. Created between 1705 and 1715, the artwork portrays Platfues in a theatrical pose, emphasizing his small stature and exaggerated movements. Engelbrecht's use of caricature highlights the absurdity of Platfues's position as a dance instructor, creating a humorous and insightful social commentary. The etching, now in the Rijksmuseum, demonstrates Engelbrecht's mastery of detail and his skill in capturing the essence of his subject.