A Glimpse into an 1780s Study with a Nun and Priest

Original Prompt: Time-period – 1780s. Orientation – landscape. Style – ‘photographic’. A white-walled study with a large wooden-framed window with small glass panes in the background. There are dark drapes to each side of the window. Through the window is visible the Church of Saint Suplice in Paris. The mid-morning light bathes a sturdy oak desk on the right of the room, positioned against the wall. On the desk there is a sheaf of paper, an ink-well, and a pot containing quills. There is also an unlit candle in a candlestick. There is no desk lamp. On the wall above the desk hangs a crucifix with the body of Jesus on it. Sitting in front of the desk, in an upright plain wooden chair is a 50 year old nun. She is bent slightly forward, engaged in writing, using her right hand, on a sheet of paper with a quill. She is wearing a white robe, covered by a sky-blue tunic which is secured with a broad blue leather belt of the same colour, white guimpe (wimple) and black veil. On her feet can be seen brown sandals. A rosary hangs from her belt. Against the left wall stands a wooden bookcase stacked with fine-tooled leather-books, piles of manuscripts each secured with blue ribbons to prevent them coming undone, and odd piles of small notebooks. In front of the bookcase, sitting in a well-worn, but comfortable, red leather wing-back armchair sits a French Catholic priest aged about 70 years. He has white hair and is balding. He does not wear spectacles as he is blind. He is wearing a black soutane (cassock), a cincture (wide sash) made of black material is around his waist with the ends falling to the right. A white collar is visible around his neck. The priest is turned towards the nun and speaking to her. His hands are slightly raised, as if he is describing something. Close to the priest’s chair, but between it and the bookcase, lays a wooden walking cane.

Model: Imagen 3

Created on 5/13/2025 Report