Dramatic Romances

The poem features a Duke who showcases a portrait of his late wife, revealing his possessive nature and the darker aspects of his character. As he speaks to a visitor, he reflects on the artistry of the painting and the beauty of the Duchess, hinting at his jealousy and the circumstances of her demise. The Duke's eloquent yet unsettling monologue unveils themes of power, control, and the objectification of women, all set against a backdrop of Renaissance art and aristocratic intrigue.