<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/230531/original/file-20180803-41320-lpvm92.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;rect=0%2C3%2C1024%2C682&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1050&amp;h=700&amp;fit=crop" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Detail from Little Big Woman: Condescension, Debra Keenahan, 2017.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Designed and made by Debra Keenahan, Photograph by Robert Brindley., Author provided (No reuse)</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>For centuries, women with dwarfism were depicted in art as comic or grotesque fairytale beings. But artists are challenging these portrayals and notions of beauty and physical difference.</p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/essays-on-air-48405">Essays On Air</a>, a podcast from The Conversation, brings you the best and most beautiful writing from Australian researchers.</p> <p>Today, Western Sydney University researcher Debra Keenahan is reading her essay, titled <a href="https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-the-female-dwarf-disability-and-beauty-84844">The female dwarf, disability, and beauty.</a></p> <p>Find us and subscribe in <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/essays-on-air/id1333743838?mt=2">Apple Podcasts</a>, in <a href="https://play.pocketcasts.com/">Pocket Casts</a> or wherever you get your podcasts.</p> <h2>Additional audio</h2> <p>Snow by <a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/David_Szesztay/Cinematic/Snow">David Szesztay</a></p> <p>Oboe Sonata in C minor “Farewell” by <a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dee_Yan-Key/Oboe_Sonata_in_C_minor_Farewell/">Dee Yan Key</a> </p> <p>Game of Thrones quote from <a href="https://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones">HBO</a> (used under fair dealing)</p> <p>Sound effects from <a href="http://www.orangefreesounds.com/">Orange Free Sounds</a> and <a href="https://freesound.org/browse/">Free Sound</a></p> <p><em>Today’s episode was recorded by Sunanda Creagh and edited by Jerwin De Guzman.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/101027/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />