"In the next place we may reckon Affability and Courtesie; which as it is amiable in all, so it is singularly so in women of Quality, and more universally necessary in them then in the other Sex.  For men have often charges and emploiments which do justify, nay perhaps require somwhat of sternness and austerity; but women ordinarily have few or no occasions of it, and those who have well digested the former Lectures of Meekness and Compassion, will not be apt to put it on unnecessarily."

Allestree, Richard. The ladies calling in two parts. 1676.

I started off looking for something to do with widows and male authority.  I ended up with this.  I feel that it is somewhat reminiscent and representative of how women were supposed to behave.  The Duchess however is not meek at all and she does not subject herself to the men in her life and she, I believe, is even stern with Antonio.  She is bold enough to defy her brothers by getting married, enjoy herself while they are gone, try to hide her husband, and bear his children under their noses!

I also feel this picture is representative of the Duchess before her brother starts to punish her.  She was definitely in control of her life and enjoying it.