Quentin Massys, The Ugly Duchess (A Grotesque old woman), 1513. National Gallery, London.
Quentin Massys's painting, which has inspired a fascinating exhibition at the National Gallery, got its nickname 'The Ugly Duchess' after it was used by John Tenniel as the inspiration for his drawings of the Duchess in Lewis Carol's Alice in Wonderland. For years this painting’s official title was A Grotesque Old Woman, but more recently she has been known as An Old Woman - the result of sensitivities about potential medical reasons for her appearance. But although this may be related to a physical condition, Massys's original intent was undoubtedly satirical.
Join Dr Richard Stemp to consider the other side of the Renaissance - not the beauty, idealisation, and perfect proportions which are seen as its essence, but issues of ugliness and the birth of caricature. Are we actually looking at an empowered woman, 'subversive, fierce, and defiant'?
Also included are drawings by Leonardo da Vinci which have long been associated with Massys's image, and a rarely-seen painting by Massys himself, An Old Man, who appears to be the lady's intended. It should be a remarkable encounter!
The Ugly Duchess: Beauty and Satire in the Renaissance is at the National Gallery, London, until 11 June 2023.
Proceeds from our ticket sales benefit museums, galleries and other arts-based organisations and projects.
This is an online event hosted on Zoom which can be watched live, or on-demand for three weeks afterwards. You will receive your link to access the event in your email confirmation and the on-demand link after the event ends.