The Ugly Duchess
The Ugly Duchess
A 1513 portrait of an unknown Duchess, perhaps Margaret, Countess of Tyrol, by Flemish artist Quentin Matsys. She holds a red flower in her right hand, at the time a symbol of engagement, indicating that she is trying to attract a suitor. This portrait inspired the appearance of the Duchess in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The painting is Matsys' best-known work, and developed half of a diptych. The painting is in the National Gallery in London.