Court Painter

| 9

Sleep is like a warm hug. When Arden is finally woken, it is not by a sense of urgency and responsibility but with envigorated excitement for the possibilities that day would bring. Having arrived at the palace as the sun was setting, Arden is introduced to a new, overwhelming sense of magnificence. A lady in waiting is provided and she peeps in, meekly introducing herself. 

"Miss," She addresses, speaking to Arden as if she is already someone of higher status than she. "Good morning. I am Elisabeth. I shall attend to your every need." She speaks in a frank manner as she moves across the room to retrieve a dress from an elegant wardrobe. "You are to meet with Her Majesty in an hour so I best set to work dressing you."

The process is unlike any Arden has ever known. Even in her finest of dresses, Arden has never been adorned in such a way. A tight corset is cinched, pinching and sculpting her waist and breasts into place. Hoops and a bustle raise the skirt of a pale blue satin gown, creating the illusion of a more voluptuous form than Arden possesses. Powder and rouge are applied to her face and fine jewels strung around her neck. "Her Majesty is fond of beauty," Elisabeth speaks after a long silence. "The palace, the gardens and grounds, her guests must all reflect that admiration of beauty." Elisabeth motions for Arden to look out a window beside her bed.

The gardens are extraordinarily designed. A single stretch of pathway travels through the landscape, perfectly straight until it vanishes in the faraway distance. A circular fountain disrupts the linear visual guide midway. Within the fountain are great bronze sculptures of horsemen and their steeds violently emerging from the water. A maze of groomed forests parallels the pathway, embellished by sculpted hedges and great statues atop pedestals. 

"It is spectacular," Arden notes, recognizing the artistic genius of the layout. "It is almost like a painting itself. The way the path provides a clear direction through the scene which your eye can easily travel."

Elisabeth smiles, "I see why Queen Elza took a liking to you."

Arden is summoned to the Salon de Venus, a large, sunlit room dedicated to the Queen's afternoon entertainment. The Rococo style of decoration and architecture conveyed all senses of pleasure and luxury, aligning with the personality of the lavish queen. Upon entering, Arden's chest tightens in a feeling of inadequacy. She's never stood in a setting such as this. She had expected to be greeted only by the Queen, an intimidating interaction to begin with. However, as the large gold inlaid doors swing closed behind her, she notes a room full of elegant ladies. 

"Madame Vegee," the Queen introduces Arden with a delicate gesture her way. "My ladies in waiting, Madame Gesu, Madame de Chimay, and Madame Goyon de Matignon." Each Lady curtsies as her name is spoken, then sits down, returning to their individual forms of entertainment. Madame Gesu seems to be stitching something while conversing quietly with Madame Goyon de Matignon. However, Madame de Chimay speaks with a woman the queen did not introduce but rather glances at and then disregards.

"Madame Vegee shall be spending a great deal of time with us," Queen Elza continues. "I shall be utilizing her talent to redecorate my bedchamber." Her statement is acknowledged with gentle smiles and brief "ahhs." 

Arden is invited to sit, the chair beneath her is padded and embroidered with silk threads of gold and rose color. Every detail is elaborate and beautiful.

"Elisabeth," Queen Elza stops Arden's Lady in Waiting before she leaves. "Please be sure to see to Madame Vegee's new clothing and her art supplies. I should like her to be completely settled in by tonight."

The unnamed woman speaks; "Madame Vegee," Her voice is smooth like good wine or perhaps melted chocolate. It is almost seductive. "What genre of paintings do you work in?"

The question seems odd, but Arden answers best she can. "My father always painted portraits or landscapes. I modeled my work after him."

The woman slowly sips her tea before responding. "So you produce in the minor arts genre?"

"I am limited, yes." Arden answeres, to her surprise, Madame de Chimay contributes to the conversation in a positive light.

"I am certain Madame Vegee might be capable of the major arts were it permitted for ladies." 

Queen Elza nods in agreement. "Indeed, but let us not forget that Historical paintings are reserved for men given that only men are blessed with the privilege of studying the male figure."

Arden joins the ladies in a brief moment of laughter before voicing her own opinion. "I presume it would be highly unheard of for a woman to sit with the male painters and recreate the nude model. Image how the men might feel." Again, laughter fills the formal space, creating a brief sense of ease.

"Nevertheless, the minor arts suffice. I have a particular fondness of plants and all things that grow." Elza gestures out the windows towards her gardens. "I want to bring nature to my bedchamber. I hope you will find recreating my gardens a plesant task?"

Arden nods, feeling a smile form. "Exceedingly."