An Old Dwarf Courts a Young Female Dwarf who Holds Her Hands in Her Muff c. 17th century

Editor: Here we see François Collignon's etching, "An Old Dwarf Courts a Young Female Dwarf who Holds Her Hands in Her Muff." The figures' exaggerated features are striking. What do you make of the composition? Curator: Consider the linearity, the stark contrast of light and shadow. The artist employs etching to define form, emphasizing the grotesque through caricature. Note how the gaze is directed by the lines. Editor: So, the grotesque elements are not accidental? Curator: Indeed. These exaggerations are deliberate artistic choices. The composition’s formalism underscores these distortions. The question is: to what effect? The arrangement of lines guide our eye. Does that give you a clue? Editor: I see it now, the composition highlights the intentional distortion, adding to the impact of the work. Curator: Precisely. Understanding the formal structure allows us to grasp the artwork's intended meaning.