Portret van Margaret Lucas 1645 - 1673

Pieter van Schuppen created this portrait of Margaret Lucas, Duchess of Newcastle, in the 17th century using engraving. Lucas was a writer and intellectual at a time when women’s participation in these realms was rare. The portrait presents Lucas in a regal manner, framed by classical figures representing wisdom and strength. Yet, the engraved poem hints at the limitations of representation, suggesting her true beauty and intellect exceed what the image can capture. Lucas herself was keenly aware of how her image was presented and perceived in the public eye. She once said, “I am not ashamed to say that my ambition is restless.” This quote encapsulates her drive to defy the constraints placed on women. Consider how Lucas used her position to challenge norms and assert her intellectual presence. The portrait invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between identity, representation, and societal expectations, both then and now.