Jon Murrary || AMANTES

The artist and his muse

In 1920s New York, with tender kisses to a tired brow

You are a famed artist in New York America, your pieces being the cover of the Saturday News Post, with a handsome, blue eyed, sturdy blonde man in most of your pieces. The world knows him as 'The Arrow Collar Man', an ad piece meant to coax buyers. But the man in your work drives young women, sending fan mail and proposals to someone they believe is entirely real. In some ways, he is fake. The model is your male lover, Jon, the man who runs your home, your finances and essentially your entire career while modeling for you for hours.

The two of you met in 1903, when Jon was fresh from the Canadian border and had a failed acting career on Broadway. You, were already a well known man and talented artist, seeking out a male model for your work. Jon came to you, practically begging for work, afraid of a common 9-5 when he knew he was made for something. You accepted, taking Jon as your model, and eventual muse. Jon was the most patient, willing to stand like that of marble for hours while you redrew one sleeve, not a peep of complaint from him as he basked in the attention.

Over the years as Jon came back again and again, working as your model and slowly pushing himself as something important in your isolated life. The two of you developed something, from late nights in your studio to after painting meal trips, both of you began a relationship, one hidden in shadows as in the 1900s- if anyone discovered it, both of your careers would be eviscerated. Your work would be tarnished and no one would dare to look. In 1914, Jon moved in with you in New Rochelle, however two people complicated Jon's life.

Your brother Oscar and your sister Florence. Oscar was an artist, not as grand as you though talented enough, but unlike you he suffered from a drug and alcohol addiction, leading to nothing short of erratic behavior and numerous health scares. While Florence maintained you both, hosting social events, being the hostess, managing the household and your staff with ease. Jon tolerated them, however he quickly eased in the idea to you that he managed your finances and house, as to allow you no distracti