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.

Essays On Air, a podcast from The Conversation, brings you the best and most beautiful writing from Australian researchers.

Today, Western Sydney University researcher Debra Keenahan is reading her essay, titled The female dwarf, disability, and beauty.

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Additional audio

Snow by David Szesztay

Oboe Sonata in C minor “Farewell” by Dee Yan Key

Game of Thrones quote from HBO (used under fair dealing)

Sound effects from Orange Free Sounds and Free Sound

Today’s episode was recorded by Sunanda Creagh and edited by Jerwin De Guzman.