Museum of Femininity
86 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsWelcome to the Museum of Femininity, a laid back podcast exploring different aspects of female history and the representation of women in art and material culture My name is Charlotte Appleyard, a graduate with an MA in Art History and Archaeology of East Asia and museum professional. I have a love of Symbolism, Edo period art, fashion history and all things Victorian. Join me as I learn about areas of art and social history which have either faded from memory or were never taught to me in the first place! This is a fun passion project for me to keep me connected to my various interests, I hope you enjoy my rambles :)
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Episodes
Episode 65: The Role of Women in the Peasants Revolt
March 04, 2024 12:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBIn this episode we explore the role of women in the 1381 Peasants Revolt in England, from rebels to hapless victims, alongside the timeline of events during this important part of British history, which arguably became the blue print for all civilian uprisings from then on. Images Instagram @themuseumoffemininity Sources Normal Women by Philippa Gregory https://www.worldhistory.org/Peasants'_Revolt/ https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/medieval/ The Imaginary Soc...
Episode 64: Maria Von Trapp
September 27, 2023 06:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBIn this episode we delve into the real life of Maria Von Trapp (1905-1987) and the Trapp family singers. Here we see the story of a determined and bright young woman born into difficult circumstances, go from aspiring nun, to beloved governess, wife, member of a successful touring and recording band and then fictionalised character immortalised on the silver screen. As well as this we will compare the true story with the Broadway and Film musical 'the Sound of Music'. Images - Instagram @...
Matchstick Women Strike of 1888
July 25, 2023 19:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBIn this episode we explore the history of the Matchstick Women strike in 1888, which saw 1400 women walk out of the Bryant & May factory, in protest against their treatment. This included poor pay, a highly unreasonable fining system which penalised women for taking breaks, and the lack of support around preventing and supporting women who were inflicted with the deadly disease 'Phossy jaw' which was caused by inhaling toxic particles in the factory. We hope to shine a light on the impact o...
Episode 62: Dora Maar
March 27, 2023 06:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBWelcome back to the Museum of Femininity, in this episode we will be exploring the life and art of photographer and painter Dora Maar. Dora Maar is perhaps most recognisable for her turbulent affair with Pablo Picasso and for being one of this muses and the subject of his iconic weeping woman series. Although we will be exploring some of this history of their relationship and the impact the breakup had on Maar's life and mental health, we aim to focus mainly on her artistic achievements. We...
Episode 61 Medieval Women: innovators, artists, mystics and rulers
February 20, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBIn todays episode we explore the role women played in Medieval European Society, with a focus on Anglo-Saxon Queens and their political and religious influences, the power and respect bestowed on wise and visionary abbesses and nuns and artists who produced embroidery that was praised throughout Europe. Images - Instagram @themuseumoffemininty Sources Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of It Book by Janina Ramirez https://www.english-heritage.org.u...
Helen Keller
January 04, 2023 12:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBWelcome back to the museum of Femininity. In this episode we will be exploring the life of Helen Keller (1880 - 1968) and American author, activist and lecturer who was also Deafblind. We will be exploring her remarkable life including her prolific body of written work and her achievements in educations, as well as her incredible partnership with teacher Anne Sullivan, who was instrumental in Keller learning to communicate as a child and as an educator who was also visually impaired has an i...
Marriage in the Victorian Era
November 23, 2022 12:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBIn this episode we wrap up our marriage series by analysing the tradition of marriage in the Victorian era (1837-1901). We will explore the role of marriage in society, why people married and if attitudes to marriage evolved as the century progressed. Through examining such traditions we hope to shine light on the lives of women in Victorian society and how they navigated gender norms and expectations. Instagram @themuseumoffemininity Sources https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/stor...
Boudica
October 02, 2022 16:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBIn this mini episode we examine the fascinating story of Boudica (30AD - 61AD) warrior Queen of the Iceni people who led a successful yet blood thirsty campaign against Roman forces who were ruling Britain in this time. In addition to the historic events we will also address how Boudica has been portrayed in art and media and how this reflects the culture of the time. Instagram @themuseumoffemininty Sources https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/romans/ https://www.wo...
Boudica
October 02, 2022 16:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBIn this mini episode we examine the fascinating story of Boudica (30AD - 61AD) warrior Queen of the Iceni people who led a successful yet blood thirsty campaign against Roman forces who were ruling Britain in this time. In addition to the historic events we will also address how Boudica has been portrayed in art and media and how this reflects the culture of the time. Instagram @themuseumoffemininty Sources https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/romans/ https://www.wo...
Marriage in Georgian England
August 15, 2022 20:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBIn this episode we will be discussing the role marriage played in the Georgian period (1714-1837) We will outline the ceremony and the traditions as well as some of the reasons why people married and how this differed in social classes. We will explore the pomp and ceremony of royal weddings, and how the press often painted a very different picture to reality. As well as the changes in marriage laws, in order to combat scandalous runaway marriages, some of the pitfalls to marriage and the d...
Uemura Shōen
August 01, 2022 21:00 - 23 minutes - 15.8 MBIn this episode we discuss the career of Meiji era Japanese artist Uemura Shōen (1875 –1949) born in Kyoto she pursued artistic training from the age of 12, partly due to the support of her mother. From there she would have a highly successful career and became known for her paintings of beautiful women and her illustrations of scenes from Noh Plays. However, Uemura lived an unconventional life and did not adhere to the strict gender roles of Japanese society, even causing a stir when she ha...
Marriage in the Tudor Period
June 12, 2022 11:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBWelcome back to the Museum of Femininity. In our new episode we will be discussing marriage in the Tudor Period, but more specifically the process of getting engaged and the wedding ceremony. By accessing key moments like this we hope to learn more about the role of women in society. During the Tudor period marriage became more codified with contracts and rules, we also start to see certain marriage traditions that persist today, like having witnesses present. Specific marriage are better do...
Angelica Kauffman and Mary Moser
May 28, 2022 10:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBIn this episode we explore the lives and careers of Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807) and Mary Moser (1744-1819), who were the only two female founding members of the Royal Academy of Art, founded in 1768. We will discuss Angelica Kauffman's fame and her unladylike focus on the masculine and epic History painting, considered to be the most respected and accomplished genre of art. As well as her huge achievements and highly successful commissions. We will also discuss Mary Moser's career and com...
Angelica Kauffman and Mary Moser
May 28, 2022 10:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBIn this episode we explore the lives and careers of Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807) and Mary Moser (1744-1819), who were the only two female founding members of the Royal Academy of Art, founded in 1768. We will discuss Angelica Kauffman's fame and her unladylike focus on the masculine and epic History painting, considered to be the most respected and accomplished genre of art. As well as her huge achievements and highly successful commissions. We will also discuss Mary Moser's career and com...
Marriage in the Middle Ages
April 17, 2022 11:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBWelcome back to the Museum of Femininity, in todays episode we start a new series analysing the history of marriage, but more specifically the process of getting engaged, weddings and how people celebrated this happy occasion throughout history. Here we will be looking at the Middle Ages in Britain, the differences between a peasant wedding and an upper class wedding, why people married, what a wedding involved and how traditions of the past were similar and different to those today. We wil...
Marriage in the Middle Ages
April 17, 2022 11:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBWelcome back to the Museum of Femininity, in todays episode we start a new series analysing the history of marriage, but more specifically the process of getting engaged, weddings and how people celebrated this happy occasion throughout history. Here we will be looking at the Middle Ages in Britain, the differences between a peasant wedding and an upper class wedding, why people married, what a wedding involved and how traditions of the past were similar and different to those today. We wil...
Josephine Baker
April 03, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this episode we discuss the fascinating story of Josephine Baker (1906-1975) an African American dancer, singer and actress who found tremendous fame and popularity in 1920s Paris, becoming an icon of the era. We will be talking about her inspiration rise to fame and what her time in Paris can tell us about attitudes to people of colour and African culture at this time. We will also be discussing Josephine's bravery in WW2 and her fight against segregation in the states. She is also well ...
Josephine Baker
April 03, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this episode we discuss the fascinating story of Josephine Baker (1906-1975) an African American dancer, singer and actress who found tremendous fame and popularity in 1920s Paris, becoming an icon of the era. We will be talking about her inspiration rise to fame and what her time in Paris can tell us about attitudes to people of colour and African culture at this time. We will also be discussing Josephine's bravery in WW2 and her fight against segregation in the states. She is also well ...
Madame Elise and the Tragic death of Mary Ann Walkley
January 17, 2022 20:00 - 14 minutes - 9.92 MBIn this mini episode we talk about the tragic death of Mary Ann Walkley in 1863, caused in part by the appalling working conditions in the workshop of Madame Elise a highly respected Court dress maker. This will be a meditation on class and the difference between working women and the wealthy ladies who commissioned them to make their gowns. Illustration Instagram @themuseumoffemininty Sources https://victorianweb.org/gender/ugoretz1.html https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/...
Madame Elise and the Tragic death of Mary Ann Walkley
January 17, 2022 20:00 - 14 minutes - 9.92 MBIn this mini episode we talk about the tragic death of Mary Ann Walkley in 1863, caused in part by the appalling working conditions in the workshop of Madame Elise a highly respected Court dress maker. This will be a meditation on class and the difference between working women and the wealthy ladies who commissioned them to make their gowns. Illustration Instagram @themuseumoffemininty Sources https://victorianweb.org/gender/ugoretz1.html https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/...
Pre Raphaelite Sisters: Effie Gray
November 27, 2021 14:00 - 48 minutes - 33 MBFor our 50th episode we will be revisiting the Pre-Raphaelite Sisters by exploring the fascinating life of Effie Gray (1828-1897) a famed beauty, with a charming and vivacious personality, she is an interesting character as her life can tell us so much about Victorian society and the way women were perceived. Here we will be focusing on Effie Gray's unhappy and loveless marriage to the Art critic and Pre-Raphaelite champion John Ruskin and their scandelous annulment, which allowed her to mar...
Victorian Women and the Occult
October 31, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBIn today's episode we explore the 19th century fascination with spiritualism and the occult and particularly the key role women played in this as consumers and mediums. We will discuss the different activities which fell under this spiritualist umbrella from mesmerism to seances and specific examples of women who were followers of or worked as spiritualists, both the sincere and fraudulent . This conversation touches on why women were perceived to be more effective communicators with the ...
Victorian Women and the Occult
October 31, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBIn today's episode we explore the 19th century fascination with spiritualism and the occult and particularly the key role women played in this as consumers and mediums. We will discuss the different activities which fell under this spiritualist umbrella from mesmerism to seances and specific examples of women who were followers of or worked as spiritualists, both the sincere and fraudulent . This conversation touches on why women were perceived to be more effective communicators with the ...
The Georgian Bawdyhouse
October 03, 2021 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBIn this mini episode we will look at the Georgian Bawdyhouse, what happened inside a Bawdyhouse, how they were run and who worked there, as well as the men who used it's services. By doing this we can analyse gender issues in this notoriously hedonistic time period. Sources The Bawdyhouse by Emily Brand https://georgianera.wordpress.com/2016/03/29/rehab-for-18th-century-prostitutes-magdalen-hospital/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanny_Murray
Florentine Profile Portraits of Women
August 21, 2021 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBThis is not the catchiest title but the subject itself is extremely interesting and is an excellent example of how visual culture can shine a light on the way women were perceived in society. Profile portraits were a common genre in the mid 15th century to 16th century and were commissioned by wealthy merchant families. The sitters today are largely anonymous but were likely young brides from high status families, who posed dressed in luxurious clothing and jewellery, serving as visual symbo...
Florentine Profile Portraits of Women
August 21, 2021 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBThis is not the catchiest title but the subject itself is extremely interesting and is an excellent example of how visual culture can shine a light on the way women were perceived in society. Profile portraits were a common genre in the mid 15th century to 16th century and were commissioned by wealthy merchant families. The sitters today are largely anonymous but were likely young brides from high status families, who posed dressed in luxurious clothing and jewellery, serving as visual symbo...
The Ottoman Imperial Harem
July 31, 2021 17:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBIn this episode we will be exploring the world of the Ottoman Harem during the 16th century. We will delve into the lives of concubines who lived within it's confines, the hierarchy within the harem as well as the benefits of life there, in addition to the disadvantages. Furthermore, there are many misconceptions about the harem, relating to Orientalist ideals and a romanticisation of the exotic. This will be achieved through a discussion around the lives of two favourite concubines Hurrem...
On the Way to Anacapri by Gerda Wegener
July 02, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBIn this painting analysis we will look a the painting 'On the Way to Anacapri' by Gerda Wegener (1885-1940) a Danish artist who worked as a successful fashion illustrator. In addition to this she also created glass mosaics, erotic art and also painted. In the public consciousness she is perhaps mostly remembered for her marriage and relationship with Lili Elbe, who is one of the first recorded cases of someone undergoing gender reassignment surgery. Before her transition Lili has been posing...
The Governess
June 13, 2021 17:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBIn this episode we explore the role of the governess in 19th Century England. Governesses were well educated young women employed by wealthy families to teach their daughters. Existing in a strange limbo, they were not considered a part of the family but were also too high status to fit in with other servants. Due to this governesses were often lonely figures who operated outside of feminine conventions, as they were unmarried and financially independent. In this episode we delve into the ...
Self Portrait with Nude by Laura Knight
May 23, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBIn today's painting analysis we will be looking at the 1913 painting 'Self Portrait with Nude' by Laura Knight. At the time of painting women were not allowed to paint from live models or it was generally considered vulgar, due to this her work was widely criticised for it's defiance in challenging the status quo. In this episode we will explore the context of the Edwardian era and a bit about the role of the self portrait in art history. Images Instagram - @themuseumoffemininity Sources...
Isabella d'Este
May 08, 2021 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBIn this new episode of the Museum of Femininity we will explore the life of another female art collector, who was also an eminent political leader in Renaissance Italy. Isabella d'Este (1474-1539) was the Marchioness of Mantua, who collected a variety of Ancient sculptures, medals and artefacts which she displayed in her Studiolo. Along with collecting classical works of art she also commissioned various paintings by the most notable Old Masters of the age including Leonardo da Vinci, Perugi...
Isabella d'Este
May 08, 2021 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBIn this new episode of the Museum of Femininity we will explore the life of another female art collector, who was also an eminent political leader in Renaissance Italy. Isabella d'Este (1474-1539) was the Marchioness of Mantua, who collected a variety of Ancient sculptures, medals and artefacts which she displayed in her Studiolo. Along with collecting classical works of art she also commissioned various paintings by the most notable Old Masters of the age including Leonardo da Vinci, Perugi...
Woman in a Red Armchair by Pablo Picasso
April 14, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBIn this painting analysis we examine the painting Woman in a Red Armchair painted by Pablo Picasso in 1932. We explore the expressiveness sensuality of this era in Picasso's work and interrogate the important role women played in fuelling his artistic inspiration. It is also important that we cover his relationship with the model Marie Therese Walter and it's troubling developments, which highlight Picasso's misogynistic and brutish tendencies. In this episode we tackle the difficult questi...
Woman in a Red Armchair by Pablo Picasso
April 14, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBIn this painting analysis we examine the painting Woman in a Red Armchair painted by Pablo Picasso in 1932. We explore the expressiveness sensuality of this era in Picasso's work and interrogate the important role women played in fuelling his artistic inspiration. It is also important that we cover his relationship with the model Marie Therese Walter and it's troubling developments, which highlight Picasso's misogynistic and brutish tendencies. In this episode we tackle the difficult questi...
Gertrude Stein
March 24, 2021 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBIn this episode we explore the life of Gertrude Stein (1874 - 1946) who was a queer writer and art collector as well as the leader of one of the most influential Parisian art salons of the early 1900. In her home she entertained the likes of Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemmingway and Ezra Pound, becoming a key voice in the radical art world of that time. As a writer she was experimental and often wrote illuminating and personal stories about her life, love between women and insight into the lives...
Judith Slaying Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi
March 10, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBIn this painting analysis mini episode we will be looking at the 1620 painting Judith Slaying Holofernes by Baroque artist Artemisia Gentileschi. In the brutally realistic masterpiece we see the biblical heroine savagely behead the Assyrian general Holofernes in a frozen moment of violent chaos. This is perhaps one of the most visceral depictions of this subject, which has caused speculation that Artemisia Identified with the protagonist, as she herself had suffered sexual exploitation at th...
Judith Slaying Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi
March 10, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBIn this painting analysis mini episode we will be looking at the 1620 painting Judith Slaying Holofernes by Baroque artist Artemisia Gentileschi. In the brutally realistic masterpiece we see the biblical heroine savagely behead the Assyrian general Holofernes in a frozen moment of violent chaos. This is perhaps one of the most visceral depictions of this subject, which has caused speculation that Artemisia Identified with the protagonist, as she herself had suffered sexual exploitation at th...
Trousers in women's wear
February 24, 2021 20:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBA rambling conversation that covers the interesting history of trousers in women's wear, with a large focus on trouser's being symbolic of women's liberation through their utilitarian function. We talk about the early origins of the rational dress reform, the impact of war of women's fashion, the trends in Hollywood and how actresses bent the gender rules and also discuss gendered clothing in contemporary society. Images Instagram: @themuseumoffemininty Sources https://www.nationalarchi...
Trousers in women's wear
February 24, 2021 20:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBA rambling conversation that covers the interesting history of trousers in women's wear, with a large focus on trouser's being symbolic of women's liberation through their utilitarian function. We talk about the early origins of the rational dress reform, the impact of war of women's fashion, the trends in Hollywood and how actresses bent the gender rules and also discuss gendered clothing in contemporary society. Images Instagram: @themuseumoffemininty Sources https://www.nationalarchi...
The Love Letter
February 10, 2021 09:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBIn this romance themed art analysis mini episode we will be discussing three pictures which feature a lady reading or concealing a love letter. The Love Letter by Jean Honoré Fragonard 1773 The Love Letter by Johannes Vermeer 1670 Woman readi ng a letter, Kitagawa Utamaro, 18th century These three images are reflective of three very different cultures and time periods, but all highlight the intensity and mystery of the love letter. In this episode we will analyse the history of the paintin...
The Love Letter
February 10, 2021 09:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBIn this romance themed art analysis mini episode we will be discussing three pictures which feature a lady reading or concealing a love letter. The Love Letter by Jean Honoré Fragonard 1773 The Love Letter by Johannes Vermeer 1670 Woman readi ng a letter, Kitagawa Utamaro, 18th century These three images are reflective of three very different cultures and time periods, but all highlight the intensity and mystery of the love letter. In this episode we will analyse the history of the paintin...
Royal Mistresses
January 27, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 48.5 MBIn this episode Charlotte Appleyard and Bree Oliver discuss the fascinating role of a mistress in the Royal Court. We explore the place of a mistress, her political and social influences, her motivations and why the King was expected to take lovers. We also cover a wide span of examples ranging from Nell Gwynn and Charles II to Alice Keppel and Edward VII. For visual references visit our instagram @themuseumoffemininity Sources King's Mistress, Queen's Servant: The Life and Times of Henr...
Royal Mistresses
January 27, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 48.5 MBIn this episode Charlotte Appleyard and Bree Oliver discuss the fascinating role of a mistress in the Royal Court. We explore the place of a mistress, her political and social influences, her motivations and why the King was expected to take lovers. We also cover a wide span of examples ranging from Nell Gwynn and Charles II to Alice Keppel and Edward VII. For visual references visit our instagram @themuseumoffemininity Sources King's Mistress, Queen's Servant: The Life and Times of Henr...
Olympia by Édouard Manet
January 06, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBIn this mini episode I will be analysing the painting Olympia by Édouard Manet, which was painted in 1863 and caused a huge scandal for it's salacious subject and unrefined technique. Although composed like a classical image of the Goddess Venus, this painting was thought to depict a prostitute, and was therefore considered highly problematic, due to it's contemporary display of direct brash female immorality. This also unveils the double standards in the art world as nude women has always ...
The Debutante
December 23, 2020 09:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBA debutante was a young lady, usually of aristocratic birth, who had come of age and was ready to enjoy high society events and balls of the season. To be debutante also marked your readiness for marriage and essentially coming of age. This year would culminate into the moment when you were presented in front of the Queen, and would attend the famous Queen Charlotte ball, where ladies were expected to dress in white and curtesy in front of a huge wedding cake. In this podcast I will discuss ...
Vanessa Bell
December 03, 2020 07:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBIn this episode of the Museum of Femininity we will discuss the life of early twentieth century artist Vanessa Bell. She was a key member of the Bloomsbury Group and had a radical style, which was all about colour and form and was influenced heavily by the Post Impressionist movement. We will also discuss her interesting life including her relationship with artist Duncan Grant and the importance of her beloved house Charleston, which cemented her as an iconic interior designer as well as a ...
The Fan
November 15, 2020 11:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this episode we summarise a brief history of the fan. How it was once a fashionable commodity for the wealthy and transformed into a mass produced product. We look into the use of fans as a canvas for propaganda and will debunk the language of the fans. By examining objects like this we can learn about female culture in the past, how they were viewed as consumers and changing fashion trends. Sources https://owlcation.com/humanities/Fanology-The-Secret-Language-of-Hand-Fans hhttps://www....
Sarah Forbes Bonetta
October 16, 2020 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBIn this episode we will discuss the interesting life Sarah Forbes Bonetta (1843 – 1880) a woman of colour with a truly fascinating life. She was born into a royal Yoruban Family, who were tragically killed, leading her into slavery in the house of King Ghezo. At aged 8 she was then given to Queen Victoria as a Diplomatic gift and went on to live a life of privilege and education but under the keen eye of the press and public who were fascinated by her intellect. Although Sarah's life is incr...
Lois Mailou Jones
October 09, 2020 17:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBIn celebration of Black History Month I will be posting regular podcast episodes, which specifically focus on Black female artists and figures in history. In todays episode I will be discussing the life and work of Lois Mailou Jones (1905 - 1998) who was a pioneering teacher at Howard University and award winning painter, textile designer and mixed media artist. Her work often evolved depending on her environment and as a result she has a wonderfully diverse body of work, which includes pain...
Mistresses: Emma Hamilton
September 30, 2020 14:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBIn our new mistresses series we strive to tell the stories of famous women in history known for being the lovers of prominent men. The goal of this series is to perhaps shed light on lesser known details of these women, in order to bring them out of the shadows of the famous men in their lives. In todays episode I will be discussing Emma Hamilton (1765 - 1815) best known for her affair with Horatio Nelson, she was born into poverty, worked as a maid at the age of 12 and due to her wit, charm...