Artwork

Two Dwarfs: Obligeert, a Jewish pigtail-ribbon Vendor, beside the Roman Dwarf Bajocco in one of the Streets of Copenhagen

Two Dwarfs: Obligeert, a Jewish pigtail-ribbon Vendor, beside the Roman Dwarf Bajocco in one of the Streets of Copenhagen is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1750 by the artist known as 1092_person, this image depicts two elderly figures standing on a cobblestone street in Copenhagen. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The composition captures a moment of everyday life, rendered with a focus on the contrasting appearances and postures of the two men.

Subject & Meaning

The left figure, identified as Obligeert, is presented as a Jewish vendor of pigtail ribbons, while the right figure, Bajocco, is described as a Roman dwarf. Their juxtaposition highlights cultural and social differences within the urban setting, suggesting a commentary on the diversity of street commerce and the presence of marginalized groups in 18th‑century Copenhagen.

Technique & Style

The image employs strong chiaroscuro, with sharply defined shadows that emphasize the facial features and clothing of the subjects. The lighting creates a dramatic contrast between illuminated areas and deep darkness, a technique common in mid‑century European genre scenes to convey depth and focus the viewer’s attention on the central figures.

History & Provenance

Attributed to 1092_person, the work dates to circa 1750 and has been held by the Museum of Ethnography. Its acquisition details are not publicly recorded, but the piece has remained within the museum’s ethnographic collection, reflecting its relevance to studies of cultural representation and street life in historical European contexts.