Leonardo’s studio

Some days later

It is the first sitting, and there is tension in the air

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LISA is posing on a chair, whilst LEONARDO and SALAI paint at their easels.

TWO MUSICIANS play softly.

         #12   SITTING PRETTY                   Orchestra                                  PLAY MUSIC 

                       LEONARDO

No no. Signora. I know it is difficult, but it helps so much if you can stay in one position.

                       SALAI

(Under his breath)

At least for two minutes...

                       LISA

But it isn’t easy.. and it’s so stuffy in here.

                       LEONARDO

Salai, open a window.

                       SALAI

But Master it’s hotter outside..

                       LEONARDO

I know.  But at least we can have a change of air. Go on! Pronto.

                       LISA

I didn’t realise that it would be quite so... tiring

(SALAI opens the window)            

                       SALAI

Haven’t you done this sort of thing before?

                       LISA

(Irritated)

No!  You know very well I haven’t.

(On the way back SALAI trips on the carpet. LISA forgets herself and giggles)

                       LISA

Signor Leonardo it might be better if there weren’t so many people in here.

                       LEONARDO

Perhaps so Signora. I find that music helps me to concentrate when I’m working. I thought you might find it relaxing, but...

(LEONARDO gestures to the MUSICIANS. THEY leave)

                       LISA

(Glaring at Salai)

Actually it wasn’t the musicians I was referring to...

                       SALAI

Well I can’t think what I’ve done to upset you..

                       LISA

When I agreed to let you paint my portrait too, I didn’t realise that you’d be staring at me all the time...

                       SALAI

(Laughing incredulously)

My dear lady, I’m an artist. How else am I to capture your ‘incredible beauty’ if I didn’t look at you?

                       LISA   

(Mockingly)

An artist? I thought you were still learning how to be ‘an artist...’  

It’s the way you look at me.

                       LEONARDO

That’s enough you two, do please stop bickering. You’re like a couple of spoilt children.

(They carry on working.

After a little while LISA shuffles in her seat)

                       SALAI

(Tuts)

Oh, here we go again.

                       LISA

It’s not my fault. It’s this chair. Haven’t you got anything more comfortable for me to sit on.

                       SALAI

We already put two cushions on it for you. Feather cushions. The finest goose down. I know you ‘high society’ ladies are supposed to have tender skin, but...

                       LISA

Well it’s still uncomfortable!

                       SALAI

Ah! I must have left some crumbs on the chair underneath the cushions! Right then, I’ll go out and find an angel or two. They say that angels have the most amazingly soft feathers on their backsides..

                       LISA

There’s no need to be rude.

                       LEONARDO

No there isn’t Salai. That’s quite enough from you.

                       LISA

(Standing)

This is ridiculous. Signor Leonardo, is it absolutely necessary for him to be here?

                       LEONARDO

Yes..  well..  Look Salai, in future you won’t speak until Signora Giaconda speaks to you.  Right...?

                       SALAI

Yes Master

                       LEONARDO

...or you’ll have to leave.

                       SALAI

My lips are sealed Master.

(LISA smiles triumphantly at Salai)

                       LEONARDO

Ahh, this is no good. I need a break. Come Signora we’ll take a little refreshment.  Salai, you go and look for a better chair...

(LEONARDO and LISA walk off)

(As they leave LISA looks back over her shoulder at Salai and rubs her bottom coquettishly, as if bruised)

                       SALAI

(Resignedly)

Ye-es Master.

(SALAI exits)

(Music plays over Scene change)

CURTAIN