Dwarf (one of three) 1755 - 1775

This is one of a set of three porcelain dwarves, crafted by the Doccia Porcelain Manufactory. Here, the figure's exaggerated features and diminutive stature tap into a long history of representing marginalized figures. Such depictions reflect societal anxieties and fascinations with otherness. The dwarf as a motif recurs throughout art history, from ancient Egyptian figurines to Renaissance court jesters, each iteration imbued with the cultural biases of its time. Consider the medieval court dwarf, often portrayed with a mix of humor and derision, a symbol of the outsider whose physical difference marked him as both amusing and abject. This image echoes in modern forms, where the dwarf may symbolize the hidden aspects of the self. The emotional resonance of this figure lies in its ambiguous nature. Is it a caricature meant to evoke laughter, or a poignant reminder of human vulnerability? The power of such imagery resides in its ability to stir within us a complex interplay of emotions.