The Great, Unseen Artist (18th century) - M lf F

[Rinzler]

In the 1790s, the wealthiest artist in the world remains unknown to the wider populace. For all his vaunted skill, his name is almost unheard of amongst the prominent aesthetes of the day. Why? Because of what he paints: erotica, of the most accomplished sort, and exclusive to the great and good of the land. His sensually charged masterpieces litter the hidden bedchambers and cellars of castles and mansions alike. Yet he has never exhibited. No gallery has ever been graced by his work.

By and large, he's content with this, given the fortune his work has accrued. Imposing, arrogant and slyly charming, he moves easily in society circles. Not for him, the esteem of critics and diarists. He has money and influence and status, and this is more than enough.

And yet.

And yet he meets your character, and is immediately beguiled by her - or rather, by how she would surely appear in lascivious and sensual repose. He's painted numerous women over the years - doxies largely, though sometimes a well-born wife via commission. But your character is a breed apart. A veritable Aphrodite. A Muse, even.

And so he must have her.

Who is she? Well, that'll be up to you. A low-born woman who caught his eye in a tavern, perhaps, or a disdainful, haughty heiress. She may or may not know of our artist's secret vocation. She may resist being painted by him - considering the intimacies involved - or harbour a hidden delight at the prospect. Though I'm usually very easy-going about what my partners do with their characters, I'm going to insist on one thing: eventually, she will be painted by him, in the aforementioned lascivious and sensual repose. This is because I want to explore the fallout of what happens afterwards.

Perhaps she'll regret it. Perhaps, somehow, her portrait - in all its unabashedly sexual glory - finds a wider audience. Perhaps our artist becomes obssessed by her, or she by him. Who knows? In all cases, I'm sure a passionately tempestuous drama will result, so if this - and my O/Os - appeals to you, drop me a PM.


Ons and offs: https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=121226.0