As early as the 17th century, following a French fashion, learned women were often depicted in a nun’s habit, symbolising purity and innocence. This portrait of Hedvig Taube as a nun is therefore somewhat ironic, given that, as a 16-year-old, she became the mistress of King Frederick I, 54 at the time, with him she had two sons. Despite the disguise, her famously beautiful blue eyes stand out clearly. Hedvig Taube died at the age of just 30.