Robert Browning: Poems
The Last DUCHESS
WHAT IS A CONNOISSEUR? IN WHAT WAYS WAS THE DUKE A CONNOISSEUR?
WHAT IS A CONNOISSEUR? IN WHAT WAYS WAS THE DUKE A CONNOISSEUR?
A connoisseur is one who appreciates the fine quality of some particular type of item; it might be food, art, dance, fine wines, or any number of things. The Duke is a connoisseur of fine art and is taking the person to whom he is speaking in the poem is viewing all of the Duke's artistic treasures.