How would Jane Austen’s (1775–1817) characters react to famous paintings? Mona Lisa — Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) Would Elizabeth Bennet be amused by all the interpretations built around the smile? Would Emma Woodhouse immediately try to “read” the personality of the woman in the portrait? Would Lady Catherine de Bourgh accept the mystery — or confidently explain what the expression really means? Water Lilies — Claude Monet (1840–1926) Would Mr. Darcy appreciate the quietness and restraint of the painting? Would Anne Elliot see something in it about time, memory, and things that change slowly? Would Marianne Dashwood simply be overwhelmed by the atmosphere? The Starry Night — Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) Would Elizabeth Bennet be drawn to the energy and freedom of the image? Would Catherine Morland turn the restless sky into the beginning of a Gothic mystery? Would Marianne Dashwood notice the beauty first — or the unease? Perhaps the way a character looks at a painting tells us as much about the character as it does about the artwork. #0183_Story_Eng #JaneAusten #PrideAndPrejudice #Emma #NorthangerAbbey #SenseAndSensibility #Persuasion #ArtAndLiterature #ArtHistory #ArthurWren #English
