Michael Baum is a renowned medical professor for his vast areas of work and impressive career in surgery. He teaches at the University College of London. One of his recent conquests was to explain the rather odd and unusual facial features of “The Ugly Duchess,” Quentin Matsys’ masterpiece. He worked with Christopher Cook, his student, to narrow down the search and find the specific medical diagnosis that is in line with the physical manifestations of the portraiture. After much work, they found that the “Old Woman” actually had Paget’s disease.
“I’ve always been intrigued by this painting. It’s fascinating because it is so meticulously and lovingly painted. You think, why would someone go to so much trouble to paint such a grotesque image? I always suspected there was something more to it than just a study in grotesquery.” states Baum, emphasizing that Matsys did not intend to shock or surprise by deviating from the artistic norm.
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Source: designfaves.com