These are some of the artifacts on the wall in front of the Big Barrel. Especially notable on the left is the statue of the dwarf Perkeo, the wine-loving court jester who is a figure of the local folklore. From this website:

Opposite the Great Barrel there's a wood-carving showing a little Baroque-dressed man holding a wine goblet: the court jester and dwarf Perkeo (1702-1735) who came from South Tyrol and lived for 15 years at the court. Karl I. Ludwig appointed him Guardian of the Barrel although the Perkeo was said to be very drink-happy. Even today he is a favourite figure in local folklore and, in the Heidelberg carnival or in illustrations, still symbolises the joy of life.

The name Perkeo is supposed to derive from his Italian descent: to the question whether he could drink another glass of wine, he used to answer: "Perche no?" (Why not?) Tradition says as well that Perkeo died only because one time he let himself be talked into having a glass of water!

Wall decor w/ Perkeo

There is even a famous poem about Perkeo, which was set to music. The first verse goes:

Das war der Zwerg Perkeo
Im Heidelberger Schloß,
An Wuchse klein und winzig,
An Durste riesengroß.

That was the dwarf Perkeo
In the Heidelberg Castle,
in build small and diminutive,
in thirst he was tremendous.