Rare etching of Hans Worrenberg, celebrated 17th-century Swiss dwarf performer

A remarkably rare etching portraying Hans Worrenberg (1650–1695), a Swiss dwarf and celebrated performer who captivated Europe—until a tragic accident ended his life in Rotterdam.

Standing just 2 feet 7 inches tall (78.4 cm), Worrenberg toured the continent as a theatrical “curiosity,” famously appearing in front of English royalty. This print was likely produced in London in 1688, during his performance tour, and may have served as promotional material for his stage appearances.

Worrenberg’s signature act involved a dramatic emergence from a wooden box, a stage prop that doubled as transport. In a tragic twist of fate, it was this same box that led to his death: while boarding a ship in Rotterdam in 1695, the plank broke, and he drowned inside.

Several versions of his name appear in historical records (including Hans Worremberg, John Worrenburg, and John Woremberg), but “Hans Worrenberg” remains the most widely cited.

This etching is exceptionally scarce. Known institutional examples include:

• Wellcome Collection (1985i)

• British Library, where it is bound in Daniel Lysons’s Collectanea

Though dated 1688 and stylistically aligned with period portraiture, the smooth wove paper suggests this may be a later 18th-century impression, or possibly printed on oriental or finely made European paper without visible chain lines.

An intriguing example of early performance ephemera, with a strong appeal to collectors of theatre history and human curiosities.

Add this striking portrait to your collection today.

Do you want to know more about the life of Worrenberg? Read our blogpost about this star!