Perkeo of Heidelberg (born Clemens Pankert, 1702–1735) was one of the most famous court dwarfs of early modern Europe.
Born in South Tyrol to common parents, he was likely affected by dwarfism, possibly pseudoachondroplasia.
Around 1718, at the age of sixteen, Pankert met Elector Karl III Philip of the Palatinate, who was impressed by the young man’s sharp wit and extraordinary tolerance for wine. Perkeo soon entered his service and followed him to Heidelberg, where he became a permanent figure at court.
Perkeo became the guardian of the Great Wine Barrel (Heidelberger Fass) at Heidelberg Castle — at the time the largest wine barrel in the world.
Perkeo’s nickname is said to come from his favorite Italian reply to nearly any question — “perché no?” (“Why not?”). Asked if he wanted another glass of wine, his answer was always the same….
According to contemporary accounts and later legend, he reportedly drank between 18 and 30 liters of wine a day — which is physiologically impossible, but became part of his myth.
One persistent legend claims that he died after drinking a glass of water.
Perkeo became a popular figure in regional folklore in Heidelberg, Germany, and remains part of local traditions to this day — especially in Heidelberg’s Fastnacht (carnival), as well as in the names of local restaurants.
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🎨 Artworks I used: – Perkeo auf einem Gemälde des frühen 18. Jahrhunderts, Kurpfälzisches Museum, Heidelberg (Public Domain)
– The Great Heidelberg Tun, 1753 (Public Domain)
– Albert Anker – Still Life with Red Wine, 19th century (Public Domain)
– Perkeo of Heidelberg (stained glass). Photo by Michael Cikraji (1996), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
8 Comments
Perkeo of Heidelberg (born Clemens Pankert, 1702–1735) was one of the most famous court dwarfs of early modern Europe.
Born in South Tyrol to common parents, he was likely affected by dwarfism, possibly pseudoachondroplasia.
Around 1718, at the age of sixteen, Pankert met Elector Karl III Philip of the Palatinate, who was impressed by the young man’s sharp wit and extraordinary tolerance for wine.
Perkeo became the guardian of the Great Wine Barrel (Heidelberger Fass) at Heidelberg Castle — at the time the largest wine barrel in the world.
Perkeo became a popular figure in regional folklore in Heidelberg, Germany, and remains part of local traditions to this day — especially in Heidelberg’s Fastnacht (carnival), as well as in the names of local restaurants.
He looks like Mr. bean
Punch-up's great great grandfather
He must have been a hoot to party with.
The proof that Rowan Atkinson is immortal!!!
When you’ll finally understand that this music applies only with late 1800 Neapolitan under proletarians, the World will be a better place. It is like putting the Beach Boys with 1929’s crisis 🤷🏻
Like in that card game?
Tyrion Lannister?