An Old Woman (The Ugly
Duchess)
by Quentin Massys, c. 1513
Though likely not a duchess, she is old
and ugly for a woman aiming to
attract a man. The show of flesh is bold
enough to be repulsive from the view-
point of most anyone who passes by.
Distorted features, wrinkled skin, and sad
expression do not help to answer why
the subject of this painting must look bad.
Perhaps some social satire is involved,
outdated more grotesquely than attire,
but such a matter may stay unresolved,
a rosebud of an unfulfilled desire.
Jane Blanchard
If you have any thoughts about this
poem, Jane Blanchard would
like to hear them
