Dwerg als de Franse Mademoiselle Jolicoeur, ca. 1710 1705 - 1715

Around 1710, Martin Engelbrecht created this hand-colored engraving of a dwarf portraying the French Mademoiselle Jolicoeur. The printmaking process, requiring skilled labor and specialized tools, allowed for the mass production and dissemination of images like this, fueling a growing appetite for caricature and social commentary. Note the fine lines defining the figure's features and the delicate application of color, which would have been added by hand, layer by layer. The engraver's skill is evident in the textures and patterns of her clothing, as well as the unflattering details that emphasize her exaggerated features. The image reveals societal attitudes towards both class and physical difference. The portrayal of a dwarf in fashionable attire, mimicking a well-known dancer, serves as a commentary on social mobility and the perceived absurdity of those who attempt to transcend their station. This engraving invites us to consider how printmaking practices both reflected and shaped social perceptions in the early 18th century.