Nov 12, 2009

Dancing Dwarf

Dancing Dwarf

100 BC-AD 100

Bronze

Overall: 4.4 cm (1 3/4 in.)

Sundry Purchase Fund by Exchange 1972.72

Location

Did you know?

People with dwarfism were favorite subjects in Hellenistic art, and then became popular in the Roman Empire.

Description

This small, bearded figure wears a twisted sash around his hips and has an exaggerated phallus. He stands with his left arm raised and his right arm on his waist. His left hand is missing but could have once held krotala (ancient clapper-like instruments), as other examples of dancing dwarves hold. People with dwarfism in art are typically rendered with a large head, widely spaced eyes, sharply raised eyebrows, and a depressed nasal bridge, all seen on this figure. This object may have been used as an apotropaic, or protective, amulet to ward off evil.

See also
Collection: 
GR - Roman
Department: 
Greek and Roman Art
Type of artwork: 
Sculpture
Medium: 
Bronze

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.