The last painting to feature in my story is this one; Pilgrimage to Cythera by Jean-Antoine Watteau, painted in 1717 (oil on canvas). Cythera is referred to as the "Isle of Love" and in Ruben's case, this is an apt description.
Read on to find out how I used a few of the elements in the painting for my story.
oOo
1) This is Isobel, the French lady who Shey and Ruben speak to when they first enter the painting of Cythera. They travel with her as they try to find Maria on the island. Isobel is wearing a russet-brown dress, similar to the one that Shey found in the cupboard underneath the stairs at Ruben's house.
2) In the distance are the cloud-shrouded peaks of Cythera (The Isle of Love). When Shey finally makes it back to the threshold after leaving Ruben and Maria, she stands overlooking the lush, green valley. In the distance, the peaks of Cythera broke through the clouds.
3) This is Picu, Isobel's dog. Jasper befriends her and the pair accompanies Ruben, Shey, Isobel and the pilgrims as they travel to the island - (Jasper was close on their heels, weaving his way between the rocks and clumps of grass with his new-found friend).