The Duke of Ferrara is showing the emissary a portrait of his late wife, the last Duchess. He describes her
beauty and how she smiled too freely, which he perceived as flirtatious. The Duke explains how he had to
put a stop to her behaviour, as he did not want her to shame the family name. He says that the portrait
captures her smile perfectly, and that it is now his property. The Duke's tone is menacing, and his words
suggest that he had something to do with the Duchess' death.