The Renaissance was a period of great artistic, cultural, and intellectual flourishing that spanned the 14th to the 17th century in Europe. It was a time of immense change and creativity, marked by the emergence of new ideas and beliefs, and a renewed interest in classical antiquity. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Renaissance was the way in which artists used their work to explore and comment on the society and culture of the time. This is evident in the National Gallery’s latest exhibition, “The Ugly Duchess: Beauty and Satire in the Renaissance.”
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- Jan Gossaert An Elderly Couple, about 1520 Oil on parchment laid down on canvas 48.1 × 69.2 cm © The National Gallery, London
The exhibition takes its name from a painting by Flemish artist Quentin Metsys the Younger, known as “The Ugly Duchess.” The painting depicts an elderly woman with a distinctive, exaggeratedly large nose and a misshapen face. Despite her unconventional appearance, the woman is depicted wearing fine clothing and jewelry, suggesting that she is of high status and wealth.
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- An Old Man, signed and dated 1513 Quinten Massys Oil on paper mounted on panel 48 x 37 cm Paris, Musée Jacquemart-André – Institut de France © Culturespaces- Musée Jacquemart-André
Metsys’ painting is just one of many works featured in the exhibition that use satire and caricature to comment on the social and cultural norms of the Renaissance. The exhibition explores the ways in which Renaissance artists used their work to question the concept of beauty and challenge the conventions of the time. Many of the works on display depict unconventional, even grotesque, subjects in a way that challenges the traditional ideals of beauty that were prevalent in Renaissance art.
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- Quinten Massys An Old woman, about 1514-24 Oil on panel 29.2 × 25 cm © The Phoebus Foundation, Antwerp
The exhibition also highlights the role of women in Renaissance art and society, particularly their representation in portraiture. Many of the works on display depict women who are unconventional or even unattractive by contemporary standards, challenging the notion that women should be idealized and objectified in art.
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- Unknown Seated Old Woman, 1520-1525 Carved pearwood, partly pigmented 6.3 cm x 8.8 cm x 15.9 cm Victoria and Albert Museum, London © V&A Images / Victoria and Albert Museum, London
“The Ugly Duchess: Beauty and Satire in the Renaissance” is a fascinating exploration of the role of art in challenging and subverting the social and cultural norms of the Renaissance. Through its focus on satire and caricature, the exhibition reveals the subversive power of art and its ability to question and challenge prevailing attitudes and beliefs. Whether you’re a fan of Renaissance art or simply interested in the way art can reflect and shape society, this exhibition is not to be missed.
Until 11 June 2023
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- Quinten Massys, An Old Woman (‘The Ugly Duchess’), about 1513 Oil on oak 62.4 × 45.5 cm Bequeathed by Miss Jenny Louisa Roberta Blaker, 1947 © Photo: The National Gallery, London
