A Grotesque Old Woman by Quentin Metzsys
Introduction and first impressions
A Grotesque Old Woman is probably the most famous painting by the Flemish painter Quentin Metzys. Although the initial reactions to the painting may be ones of horror and repulsion, there are aspects in it which remind one of style and artistic beauty. First of all the level of detail is striking especially with regards to the clothing employed with blue and white creating an intriguing contrast. However the most striking contrast is between the ugliness of the face and the almost bare cleavage which generate feelings of lust and carnal bestiality. My feelings were a contrast between initial shock and horror at the sheer ugliness of the face and at the same time, excitement at the rather sensual exposure of the woman’s breasts.
Indeed the ugliness of the image does provide for further contemplation accordingly. The face almost seems to be separate from the body although some have described the former as one being afflicted with Paget’s disease. However the elaborate style of the clothing also indicates that it is a noble or relatively well-off woman which we are talking about here and this also intrinsically means that she is knowledgeable and wise. In a way the painting reminds me of the grotesque figures presented by Breughel in his own paintings, ‘Twelve Netherlandish Proverbs’ and ‘The Harvest’ where the grotesque is part and parcel of everything.
Beauty in the human woman is very subjective. First and foremost the face has to be pretty and has to exude certain grace and charm. A typical example of beauty would be Botticelli’s ‘Venus’ where the human form is also alluring and sensual. However there have been cases where some relatively plain faces have created a sense of beauty such as those painting of large and luscious human forms by Peter Paul Rubens. Incidentally Rubens was also a Flemish painter just like Matzys. Although as already indicated, beauty is subjective; Matzys’ painting shows that ugliness is probably part and parcel of this painting with the face taking up a good part of the whole canvas. The elaborate head dress is also demonstrative of the power of this woman whose grim expression also seems that she is a ruthless and perhaps cruel personality. There is also a sense of foreboding in her expression as if doom is close at hand.
The concept of beauty is perhaps one which artists enjoy using to the full. For what is the most beautiful form in life than the woman? Countless artists have focused on the portrayal of women as beauty in various settings but the example which springs to mind is Bathsheba’s Toilet by Rembrandt. Here the contrast with A Grotesque Old Woman cannot be more striking where one can observe the slender yet luscious form of Bathsheba bathing nude while the old woman is desperately attempting to attract attention with her ridiculously revealing low cut dress. Beauty is subjective but the contrast cannot be greater and more significant here. It is the way that this is portrayed which makes us appreciate all the more.
