February 2, 1773
Three days after the Duchesse de Chartres’ visit, Lisette took stock of her supplies. She noticed that several vials of her pigment powders were nearly empty. She looked at her painting of Venus sitting on her easel which was only partially finished. Lisette realized that if she was going to complete this painting and the portraits for Le Sèvre, she would need more pigments. She would have to speak with Le Sèvre, but didn’t want to wait until he returned home for the evening. I will visit his shop today, she decided.
Lisette left the house and walked the short distance down the Rue Saint-Honoré to Le Sèvre’s shop. She passed by several upscale merchants whose shops were just opening for the day. In between Le Sèvre’s house and his shop was a milliner, a dressmaker and a perfumer. Through large storefront windows, Lisette could see that they were all preparing for their customers to descend upon them. The street was bustling with noble ladies and gentlemen on their way to see the merchants. Many of them were hurrying because of a perceived fashion emergency or hair problem that needed to be solved before the dinner hour later in the afternoon, when they would be judged by hosts and guests alike.
Lisette watched one noble lady screeching at her servant girl who was trailing behind, unable to move as quickly. The woman shouted, “Hurry, we must reach Monsieur Léonard before the Baronne de Blaise. I must have my hair done first.”
Lisette had recently learned that Léonard Autié was the most fashionable hairdresser in France. He had created the elaborate poufs of the Dauphine, Marie-Antoinette. All of the Paris noble ladies had followed suit, each one trying to outdo the others with hair of greater height and complication. From her bedroom window, Lisette had seen some coiffures reaching as high as three feet and adorned with such spectacles as mechanical birds and miniature ships.
As the noblewoman disappeared from the street, Lisette reached Le Sèvre’s shop. She looked at the shop sign nailed to the façade. It was a representation of Le Sèvre standing on a pier examining a bright gold, jeweled tiara in a Turkish Empire port on the Mediterranean Sea. On the bottom of the sign were the words: Jean-François Le Sèvre, Marchand. Lisette recognized the hand of Monsieur Vernet. Le Sèvre’s sign very nearly matched another one farther down the street that Vernet had painted for Monsieur Granchez’s Magasin Anglais. Lisette had been disappointed when she had recently learned that Vernet had been the one to introduce Le Sèvre to her mother.
Lisette lingered for a few moments studying the shop sign before she went inside. She wondered if Le Sèvre had actually traveled to faroff Mediterranean ports. Does he really buy his jewels from the Turkish Empire? Lisette thought.
She then examined the display of jewels in the front window. There were two long, horizontal windows on either side of a central, arched doorway. Le Sèvre had arranged elaborate necklaces, tiaras and aigrettes on each of the windows’ four shelves. The displays were eye-catching. Lisette would have stared at the jewels in the front windows longer if she hadn’t been interrupted by a couple fighting as they left the store.
“But Monsieur Le Sèvre said we could leave with the necklace today,” said a woman, wearing a dark violet silk dress with a white linen fichu to cover the gown’s low neckline.
“I want to pay him first. I do not like owing anyone, my dear,” replied a man wearing a simple black coat and sober gray culottes. From the couple’s expensive, yet modest dress, Lisette surmised that they were not noble, but were of the merchant or robed class, probably a successful lawyer and his wife.
Lisette waited until they had cleared the doorway before she proceeded inside. She was immediately struck by its opulence. There were at least one hundred pieces of mirrored glass covering the ceiling and the back walls of the shop. Two large columns of mahogany framed the interior space and were decorated with gilt and more mirrored glass. In the corners were two mahogany display cabinets that appeared to be specifically designed to fit the space. Two large wooden counters with built-in drawers stood perpendicular to each other in the center of the room. Four lanterns and ten globes provided lighting while the entire shop was heated by a stove. The stovepipe was disguised inside a large Grecian column extending to the very top of the ceiling.
Once she had absorbed the grandiose interior, Lisette searched for Le Sèvre. He was talking to a noble man and woman.
“Comte, Comtesse, these are a wonderful value. You will not be disappointed with them. Let me show you some of the ways they can be arranged…in a necklace, a bracelet or a tiara.” Le Sèvre beckoned his assistant. He rattled off a list of items for the assistant to retrieve and the young man ran off.
“But Monsieur Le Sèvre, I thought I saw the Duchesse du Pessin wearing these pieces last week at Versailles.”
Le Sèvre quickly responded, “Oh no, I assure you that you haven’t. I received them from Turkey yesterday. They were most difficult to procure. Jewelers in the Ottoman Empire are quite the negotiators.”
“Are they?” asked the Comte. He no longer appeared bored.
Undeterred, Le Sèvre continued his sales speech, “They are most exotic and would look so lovely against your skin, Comtesse.”
The Comtesse lowered her head in false modesty. Lisette knew that she was merely following etiquette by pretending to be embarrassed at Le Sèvre’s adulation. “Oh, Monsieur Le Sèvre, you are too complimentary.”
Le Sèvre held the largest stone next to her face. “Your thoughts, Comte? Do you not agree?”
The Comte nodded. “Monsieur Le Sèvre is absolutely correct.”
“They would be a most sound investment, Comte. The Duc de Clerc just bought several of a lesser clarity from me last week.”
“These are of a higher clarity than the Duc de Clerc’s?” the Comte asked.
“Yes.”
“Then we will take them…all of them.”
“Superb! I will have them wrapped and delivered first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Could you send them sooner? I would like to wear them this evening to the Opéra,” the Comtesse implored.
“For you, Comtesse, of course. You can expect them this afternoon,” Le Sèvre said as he bowed to her.
Lisette enjoyed watching Le Sèvre with the nobles. Their interactions appeared effortless. Le Sèvre gracefully appealed to both the women who wore his jewelry and the men who paid for the jewels. Lisette remained quiet until they had concluded their business and the Comte and Comtesse departed.
Le Sèvre had acknowledged Lisette’s presence with a slight nod of his head when she had first entered the store, but they had not yet talked. As soon as the Comte and Comtesse were gone, Le Sèvre came over to her.
“Lisette, how lovely to see you this morning. To what do I owe this surprise visit?” Le Sèvre said, smiling warmly at her.
“I am running low on pigments and other supplies. I’m afraid I won’t have enough to complete all of my paintings,” Lisette said plainly.
“You have sufficient pigments to finish the portraits. I do not believe that you need more right now,” Le Sèvre said as he turned to talk to his assistant again.
“But I do think that I require more,” Lisette said.
He turned to face her. “Lisette, I am not buying more supplies and that is the end of it. I am not discussing this further with you. I am very busy and I must get back to work.”
Le Sèvre disappeared behind the side counter and into a back room. Lisette remained standing in the middle of his shop. She had not expected him to say no. She had not considered that he would ration her pigments and other painting supplies.
She slowly turned toward the door and made her way out. As Lisette trudged home, she wondered, How am I going to finish everything?
Chapter Twelve
February 9, 1773
It had been a week since Le Sèvre had refused to buy Lisette more pigments. With her dwindling supplies, she had been forced to make a choice, but she wasn’t sure if she had made the right one. Every day for the past week, Lisette had r
isen early to work on her allegory painting of Venus. Each day, she had doubted her decision. This morning was no different.
Lisette stood at her easel and looked at her canvas, but could see little with her thick curtains still drawn. She went to the windows and pulled open the heavy damask curtains. The early morning light came streaming into her room. It was especially bright this morning and created a glare on her canvas.
She moved her easel out of the direct sunlight so that she could see her painting better. This Venus will be far superior to the earlier one, she thought. Her new painting was more focused. This version was an allegory of love with not only Venus, but also Cupid, Venus' son, and Mars, the Roman god of war. The painting would depict love conquering war. Lisette’s plan was to perfect it on a smaller canvas and then later transfer it to a bigger one, more appropriate given the theme. Grand themes involving the Roman gods deserved a grand canvas to match.
Lisette had not yet been convinced to abandon history and allegorical paintings. Several of her papa’s friends had encouraged her to concentrate exclusively on portraiture, claiming that she could not only make a small fortune, but she could also apply for membership in the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture. Lisette disagreed. She knew that she would make her mark as a history painter, as all the great painters had. If she became a member of the Académie Royale, it would be as a history painter, the highest and most esteemed rank of painter − certainly much higher than portraitist.
For now, she needed to replenish her supplies. Lisette had decided that the best way to ensure a steady supply of pigments was to sell her allegory paintings. Such paintings always sold for more money than portraits.
Lisette looked closer at her main figure, Venus. The goddess of love needs more depth, Lisette thought. Over the past week, Lisette had nearly completed this smaller-sized canvas. She knew that she had to finish and sell this allegory to Le Brun. She could then replace the pigments that she would need to complete portraits for Le Sèvre’s clients. Time was running short.
In the past week, Lisette had also considered how to approach Le Brun. The last time she had spoken with him, they had reached a stalemate. She had not been willing to accept his offer of a forty percent commission. In the hopes of getting some answers, Lisette had written to Monsieur Doyen. She had asked his advice for how to proceed with Le Brun and whether she should accept his offer of forty percent.
Doyen had told Lisette that Le Brun had tried to take advantage of her. Le Brun was known to take thirty percent from all of his other artists. Doyen also counseled Lisette to be discreet about any business arrangements with Le Brun, and to especially keep Le Sèvre in the dark. As her new male guardian, Le Sèvre was entitled to collect and keep all of her earnings for himself. After considering Doyen’s words, Lisette concluded that Le Brun would be so impressed with her painting of Venus, that he would agree to take his standard thirty percent commission.
As Lisette began mixing her colors for the day, the door to her room suddenly opened. It was Le Sèvre. He never knocked or asked for her permission to enter.
“Is it finished?” he asked.
Lisette swallowed hard. She had been dreading this question.
“Well? Where is the painting of the Baronne de Lande?” Le Sèvre asked.
It wasn’t finished. Lisette had been working on her painting of Venus. There hadn’t been enough paint for both.
When she remained silent, he walked around to her side of the easel and looked at the painting.
“What is this?” he asked.
“A painting of Venus,” Lisette said flatly, but inside she was panicking. She told herself to remain calm. Something about his demeanor unnerved her.
“I can see that. This is an allegory. Our arrangement was that my clients’ portraits come first, before any allegories. Where is the painting of the Baronne? She has asked for it.”
“It isn’t finished.”
“That is unacceptable, Lisette. I will not allow you to embarrass me.”
“I will finish it,” Lisette said.
“You most certainly will. And no more allegories. You are to paint only portraits of my clients. If you want unrestricted access to the pigments and other supplies, you will obey my rules.” He studied her waiting for a confirmation.
Lisette shook her head affirmatively.
“I need to hear you say that you understand.”
“Yes, I understand,” Lisette said. She uttered the words, but she knew they weren’t true. She didn’t understand. Lisette didn’t see why she couldn’t paint both allegories and Le Sèvre’s portraits.
He stared at her as if he wanted something more. Lisette didn’t know what else to say to him.
There was silence for a few moments until he finally said, “You’ll need to prepare a fresh canvas. The Duchesse de Chartres will be here this afternoon.”
It is Tuesday already? she thought. Lisette had lost all track of time while she had been working on her new painting of Venus.
“Mix your paints and ready the canvas now. She expects her first sitting to be productive.” He hesitated, then added, “And pleasant.” Le Sèvre turned and headed for the hall.
Lisette remained behind her easel, still gripping her sable brush. As soon as he leaves, I can go back to Venus, she decided. Lisette was so close to finishing it, every moment counted. She would work on her allegory painting until the Duchesse entered her room.
Le Sèvre sauntered toward the door. When he reached the threshold he paused and faced Lisette. “Why aren’t you stretching the canvas?” he asked as he approached her. He drew close and said, “You will paint the Duchesse’s portrait today.” Lisette could smell his rose water facial wash.
The Duchesse wasn’t expected for hours. Why do I need to begin preparing now? Lisette thought.
“If you are unprepared for the Duchesse, you will be sorry, Lisette.” Le Sèvre fixed his gaze on her.
She was motionless, her feet refusing to move.
As Lisette and Le Sèvre considered each other, she knew he was contemplating his next steps.
After only moments, his eyes told Lisette that he was resolved. They appeared confident and decided.
“You will do as I say,” Le Sèvre said in a low, calm voice. It wasn’t the same soft tone that he used with her mother. This voice was cold and detached. “I give you this house. I give you pigments and oil. I decide how they will be used. Just as easily as I provide you with supplies, I can take them away.” He walked toward the door again. Without turning to look at her, he said, “The Duchesse’s sitting must proceed smoothly,” he said and swiftly left the room.
Lisette stood gaping at the empty doorway thinking about Le Sèvre. She had not seen this side of him before. He had changed. Le Sèvre’s charm was gone. Lisette realized that he could not only ration her supplies, but he could also take them away completely. Suddenly, she felt a greater urgency to finish and sell her allegory painting.
Lisette returned to her easel to resume painting. Before she loaded her brush with paint, she glanced at her papa’s watch. The Duchesse will be arriving soon, she realized. Too soon.
Chapter Thirteen
February 11, 1773
Lisette awoke and immediately left her bed. This is the day, she thought. She had furiously painted for the past few days and nights. The Duchesse de Chartres had cancelled her sitting at the last minute, leaving Lisette more time to finish her allegory of Venus.
She carefully inspected the painting. It is ready, she thought. Lisette had allowed a day and a half for the painting to dry. This will work, Lisette told herself. It had to work. Lisette had finished her allegory just in time. She had depleted nearly all of her pigments, including the two most expensive colors, red Lac and ultramarine blue. She was unable to mix enough paint in the needed hues for the Duchesse’s portrait. Lisette did not want to tell Le Sèvre about the situation, but had instead decided to rely on herself to obtain more supplies. He never needed to know. My pla
n will work, she reassured herself.
Lisette stepped over to her window and peered out. It was her favorite time of the day. Dawn had broken several hours ago, yet the morning was still fresh. The bakers had come in from the outskirts of the city carrying their enormous quantities of loaves. The gardeners had already emptied their carts and driven away. This was the time of the morning when the bustle really began. Barbers, hairdressers, coachmen and café waiters were scurrying in every direction. Lisette especially enjoyed watching the panicked barbers and hairdressers who were late to meet their demanding clients. They were usually covered from head to foot with white flour and could be seen carrying wigs in one hand and tongs in the other. The sight never failed to amuse her.
I don’t have much time, she realized as she glanced at her pocket watch. The Duchesse had rescheduled her appointment for that afternoon and it was already mid-morning. Lisette was planning to sell Le Brun two paintings, buy more pigments and return home in time for the Duchesse’s sitting. There won’t be any time to spare, Lisette thought. She needed to get dressed.
Lisette stood before her armoire. The delicate patterns of flowers decorating its walnut veneer doors were repeated in the floral designs of the silk dresses inside. Before her papa had died, Lisette had only owned one silk gown. Now, Lisette possessed several embroidered silk gowns and coordinating petticoats. Her mother had spent great sums of Le Sèvre’s money on a new coterie of dresses for both herself and Lisette. Wearing the gowns required not only a corset, but also a female servant’s assistance.
Eschewing formality for comfort, she threw on a lavender flared jacket and matching skirt, which she had owned for years. Her mother had tried to expunge Lisette’s wardrobe of these vestiges of their previous life. Lisette had resisted, claiming that jackets and skirts were no longer the clothing of peasants and working women, but were now becoming quite fashionable. Eventually, Jeanne had relented, but not before she had the jackets and skirts altered. They were now trimmed in delicate lace and gauze.
Becoming Lisette: A Novel (The Queen's Painter an Historical Romance Book 1) Page 10
