Joźef Boruwlaski, a dwarf (with an unidentified lady). Stipple engraving by W.T. Fry, 1821, after J. Downman.

A 'true dwarf' (i.e. normally developed)

The sitter was born of humble origin near Chaliez in Polish Russia in November 1739. He was one of a family of six children, three of whom were of normal stature. He was brought into prominance by the patronage of various ladies of substance and became favored in Royal courts all over Europe. He was described to the Royal Academy of Sciences of Paris in 1760 by Count Tressan as being "twenty-two years of age and about twenty-eight inches high. He is well proportioned; his eyes are fine and full of fire; his features agreeable and indicate gaity and sprightliness of mind." He married Isalina Barbutan with whom he had a child in 1781 (both mother and daughter seem to have been normally proportioned). He eventually settled at Bank's Cottage near Durham, where he remained until his death on 5 September 1837 at the age of 98 (C.J.S. Thompson, 'The Mystery and Lore of Monsters', London, 1930, ch.27)

A more modern source (Leslie Fiedler, 'Freaks', New York, 1978, pp.54-56) gives a different interpretation. It appears that Boruwlaski's life was plagued with indignity: "he was forced to endure what he called in retrospect 'the most cruel torments' at the hands of various admiring ladies, who taking him on their laps would fondle him as if he were a pre-pubescent child." As he lost his appeal he was rejected, and forced to exhibit himself as a freak

Durham : George Andrews, 1 January 1821.

1 print : stipple engraving

Joseph Boruwlaski Ino. Downman, A.R.A. delt. ; W.T. Fry, sculpt.

Wellcome Collection 177i