Not just any afternoon
She was in front of the painting for about 35 minutes and observed with particular attention to all the details trying to decode all the messages that Nicolas de Largillière wanted to leave over the centuries. The first thing she taught her students was that before they could study and understand a work of art, they should first look at the historical facts and biography of the artist related to the period of the work’s creation. Considering the specifics, they would have more chances to discover the causes and reasons that influenced the artist. The kindness that emanated from her soul, her love for art, and her progressive approach during her lectures, endeared her to her students, and in turn, they reciprocated their love and respect.
The identity of the woman in the painting La Belle Strasbourgeoise remains unknown. With prevailing opinions, it is some young girl of the bourgeoisie of Strasbourg or Paris, or it simply depicts the sister (Marie Elisabeth) of the painter. Her mysterious smile and her piercing gaze are reminiscent of the Mona Lisa. Although the two paintings are separated by almost 200 years since their creation, the two enigmatic smiles somehow are connected to each other in the timeless exploration of the female soul. While she was occupied in noticing the details on the black dress of the painting, she felt the energy of a gaze passing through her body. Such was the force that she felt her body tremble for a millisecond. It can not be Marie Elisabeth is just a painting, she thought. She turned her head to the left and saw a well-dressed man of regular height that he was staring at her.
He was dressed in a brown jacket, light blue shirt, and dark blue pants. His black eyes were sparkling with surprise, and his kind face was overcome by a smile. Initially, it was difficult for her to recognize this person. And as the smiling man started walking towards her, suddenly all the memories came at cinematic speed in her mind. She remembered their endless conversations, the summer nights under the moonlight, accompanied by that tasty rosé wine with its soft color and mild fruity flavor, which used to be made in Raphael’s vineyard. This family tradition started 80 years ago and has been passed down from generation to generation, keeping the same secrets in the way of wine production but also the unquenchable passion for a perfect result. She and Raphael met by chance that summer during her three-month vacation. It was a vulnerable, transitional time for her, and she had decided to spend the summer in Provence, put her thoughts in order, and organize her future.
There were countless mornings while she was wearing a light white dress and a large imposing hat, disappearing on her bicycle in the vast fields of lavender. She would sit for hours under the shade of the century-old olive tree, with her drawing pad in a company, she could escape from the reality of life. The scents of blooming lavender were dominating the air, combined with the fields of sunflowers and scattered olive groves, were creating a colorful summer canvas that remained indelible in her mind. The clean atmosphere and beautiful landscapes gave her a rebirth and constantly fuelled her inspiration with new ideas.
A sincere friendship united her with Raphael from the first moment, and their interest in art motivated them to spend several hours together, analyzing and discussing great works of art of the past. But after the end of the summer, their paths diverged, and they lost contact. C’est la vie..
- You see, I was a few years late, but I kept my promise and came to see La Belle Strasbourgeoise in person, he said and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek
- I am happy to see you again, she replied. We should go for a glass of wine and tell me your news. I know a good wine bar nearby, she mentioned while was smiling..
