Who Is That Person?

I’ve always wondered what people see in a portrait. After all, I figure that it must say something about the viewer’s essential personality. Past experiences weigh so heavily on a person’s perception of the world. Human perception is utterly fascinating. So, would you mind participating in a test? Take a look at the above portrait. What do you see? Now, if you would be so good, tarry a while with me and listen to what I see. For then we might both have the chance to learn about the other. Of course, I have an unfair advantage: I lived that life…

Who am I?

The way I see it, answering that question, even for one’s self, is the most complex and difficult of all. Yet, there must be a beginning to have an end. I lived toward the end of the 16th into the early 17th century as the third daughter of a minor noble. That’s easy for me to say, right? Well, here are a few visual prompts for reaching that conclusion.

Clothing tells the story of one’s life. The raiment pictured implies that I came from a minor noble family. It is in good condition and appears to be well-crafted, but lacks the flamboyancy demonstrated by the higher classes. The only concession to true wealth lies in what appears to be lace at the ruff and cuffs of the outfit.

My left hand clutches, almost possessively, a small hand-written book. Upon closer examination of the writing, the “f” like letters which can be found in more archaic British become apparent. These letters were employed as part of the alphabet around the time of Shakespeare during the 16th and 17th century.

If the previous two paragraphs are not enough to convince you of my noble birth, take a look at the book again. First off, most of the low-born populace couldn’t read during my time. Yet not only does my possession of the book imply that I could read (which I can, thank you very much); the book is hand- written. Learning to write was a boon granted only to those wealthy enough to pay for a tutor. In addition, the manner with which I hold the book exhibits a confidence and possession of knowledge; I am a very studious person and take great pride in that.

Within a noble family, I would have to be a younger daughter. Generally speaking, only the later children would be cloistered enough to be able to gain such a comfort with knowledge. It was common practice for the younger daughters to be held away from the court until their older sister had been married. This would all contrive to allow me time to become educated.

Now you see the face I have showed to the world. Did you come to a similar conclusion about me, perchance? Either way, I still want to tell you about who I am.

I am an introverted and conservative young lady who values intellect over such superficial qualities as beauty. The signs are visible all about my person. All of my clothing is cut in a conservative fashion tending toward the drab colors. The colors don’t draw people’s attention, so I am left alone with my books more often. The styling of my hair also conveys my more serious, business-like attitude. Parting down the middle and being tied close to my skull, the style practically screams that I’m not looking to attract people. Nor am I interested in any adornments. People will have to accept me for my intellect rather than flamboyance.

Yet, I am also lonely. The colors that surround me in the painting are an indicator of my mood and life. There is loneliness, unhappiness and even depression for I have not but my books to comfort me. Though I am capable of smiling of course, it is apparent that I rarely do. The curl at the corners of my lips and the twinkle in my eyes are missing. Look closer at my eyes. They are wide and expressive, yes, but there is a certain jaded quality to them. I have been in this world for maybe 18 years, yet I have already seen too much. It is so hard to see the beauty in people. So I find it in my books; books that tell of far-a-way lands and epic adventures.

Take care, my friend. Don’t allow yourself to become jaded. Remember to look for the beauty in people. It’s always there…