London National Gallery Top 20 08 Quinten Massys - A Grotesque Old Woman [9 of 21]
Quinten Massys - A Grotesque Old Woman (about 1525-30, 64 x 45 cm). This painting was designed to criticize older women who do not accept their age and try to look younger than they actually are. The effects of the huge ears, wrinkles, and ape-like face, are merely emphasized by the ridiculous hat. The sitter is made even more repugnant by the rich jewels she wears and the indiscretion of her low-cut dress.