Villers smiles at results of new zinc white --
top layered only on Adelaide’s blonde hair
and gown’s length to front shoe -- creating light
both bright and transparent. Shadows her fair
face just enough to honor beauty. Thinks
of her courage, surviving Revolution.
Focuses on window frame: grins and winks
at fawning couple on distant bridge, fond
homage of her own marriage to Michel. Will
never know how scholars would credit this
painting to her teacher David, distill
the truth at last in New York’s Met Museum.
She decides to touch more pink to ribbon’s trim.
Roger Armbrust
March 10, 2016
