Scandal in Paris

Original

Painting

Gorgeous Virginie Amlie Avegno Gautreau has disgracefully modelled for a shocking new painting, Madame X, by artist John Singer Sargent. The scandalous work of art (if you call it that) has caused uproar in Paris. Virginie, known for her and beautiful complexion, is painted wearing a skimpy black gown. Her hair is twisted up, displaying her practically bare shoulders, which are covered only by thin straps. In fact, when Sargents first displayed the painting, Virginies entire left shoulder was bare, as her strap had slipped down! John Singer Sargent only fixed the fallen strap after extensive pleading from Virginies family. Even with this correction, the dress is dangerously revealing. Virginie Gautreau was born in New Orleans, but at the age of 8, moved to Paris with her mother. Since then, she has become a social climber, and has been very successful and happy. The Gautreau family, of course, is appalled by this painting, and has been