Coan, John | An original sketch of the Norfolk Dwarf, Coan, John | An original sketch of the Norfolk Dwarf

Coan, John
"Mr. Coan, the Norfolk Dwarf." Original sketch. [Np: 1752]

Pencil and ink on paper (image size: 114 x 98 mm). Image within multiple ink rules, manuscript title at bottom, dated in pencil; some browning and spotting. Matted, framed, and glazed with Plexiglas; not examined out of frame.

"The Man in Miniature"

John Coan, known as the Norfolk Dwarf, was born in 1728 in Tivetshall. When surgeon William Arderon examined Coan in 1750, he made a detailed account, noting that with all his clothes on, he weighed no more than 34 pounds, and measured 38 inches. This measurement, however, apparently included Coan's wig, hat, and shoes. Arderon's full report was included in The London Magazine or Gentleman’s Monthly Intelligencer of 1751. During this period, dwarfs were popular with the upper classes, and even the monarchy, which could explain Coan's eventual move from rural Norfolk to London. In January of 1752, he was introduced to Frederick, the Prince of Wales, and his children. In the late 1750s, Christopher Pinchbeck established the "Dwarf Garden" at Chelsea, where Coan became a fixture.

According to The Daily Advertiser, dated the 17th of March 1764, Coan died at The Dwarf’s Tavern on the 16th of that month. His "manager" decided there was still potential for profit, and continued to exhibit his body. Coan was eventually laid to rest on the 14 April 1764, at St Luke’s, Chelsea.

Condition Report:
Condition as described in catalogue entry.

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