We were going through old relics we found in the attic of our old victorian home we had just bought. I came across a painting covered in several old cloths tucked away in the corner. The back of the painting was dated 1722, we were stunned. First by her beauty, her long ginger hair, stunning green eyes,fair skin, but something struck us most odd. It was the faded tattoo on her arm, a rose. Was that her name? Was she trying to cover it with makeup? Who painted her? A lover? Afterall she was nude and back then modesty was the standard rule. The painting was in near perfect condition as if it was painted and hidden away for all time. Was she shamed by it?, did she die shortly after?, could he longer look at the woman he had loved so much? I couldn’t stop staring at it, she seemed familiar in some way. I decided she deserved to be seen, afterall it was a beautiful piece of art and times have certainly changed in viewing nudes. After great debate we hung it in the library. I loved the light in the room and it felt right. A few weeks had past and one early morning I walked into the library to grab a book to read out on the porch. But instead the room had changed, I shook my head in disbelief. I saw her laying on a sofa and the morning light slightly hitting her face. The cloth that she had worn had fallen, and a tall handsome man with his palette painting on a canvas. They’re laughter filled the room as he told her how beautiful she looked. My head began to spin, and i fainted at the sight and when i awoke my arm felt burned. As i looked down a faded rose appeared on my arm just like hers. Was I her? ….

Artwork & Story Written by Lisa C. Weber

All artwork is created by using Bryce Software. Image copyright © 2008 Lisa C. Weber. Copying and displaying or redistribution of this image without permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.