Dwarf

One of the set of four wall panels mentioned in the previous post, complete with dwarf in chains adding to the illusion that we are looking at a set of carpets rather than a set of paintings.

A conceit which one comes across from time to time, with the earliest example I know of being on the frieze running around the top of a Greek pot - a Greek pot which I failed to find last time I went looking for it. Even going so far, as I recall, as going to the pot department at the British Museum.

Domenichino and his assistants, early 17th century.