Dwarfs at Felipe IV’s Court: The Secret Role You Didn’t Know About!

Sebastián de Morra 1645 - Velazquez - Museo del Prado, Dominio público

DID YOU KNOW? Sebastián de Morra (born 1624) was an Italian dwarf who became a prominent figure at the Spanish court of King Felipe IV. His origins are not entirely clear, but it is assumed that he came from southern Italy. He was probably born in Naples, where he was part of the royal court or noble households before being brought to Spain. Sebastián de Morra's physical constitution, as seen in Velázquez's famous portrait, suggests that he had a form of dwarfism, yet he was highly respected at court for his wit, charm and unique position.