A question about the painting "The Ugly Duchess" AKA "A Grotesque Old

[Tortured Soul]

Woman" by Quentin Massys Why did he paint this bizarre picture? What was the message, theme, or inspiration behind it?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aaroncoyle/439458163/

[ukquilter]

I don't think we know exactly why he painted the picture - there doesn't seem to be a record of a commission. It might actually be Margaret, Duchess of Tyrol, but it doesn't seem certain that it is more than a fantasy, or perhaps a comment on the vanity of his usual sitters. You could always write to the Keeper of the Northern Collection at the National Gallery, Tralfalgar Square, London WC2 to ask his or her opinion.