Finding the story inside the painting.

http://www.ted.com/talks/tracy_chevalier_finding_the_story_inside_the_painting.html
1. "Girl with Pearl Earring"

2."Boy building the House of Cards"

3. "Anonymous"

Vocabulary

 to compartmentalize- v. To separate into distinct parts, categories, or compartments

e.g.

“The Maldives 'president, Mohamed Nasheed, told the two to "compartmentalize" their problems.”

“Let's just say I don't think they are able to "compartmentalize" very well.”

sumptuous- adj. Of a size or splendor suggesting great expense; lavish

“They live in sumptuous quarters, with beautiful flowers in large vases, and have a butler, Alfred.”

Preston was a vice-president of the bank, and his office was sumptuous.

bodice- n. The fitted part of a dress that extends from the waist to the shoulder.

She touched each button lining the bodice front.

Bodices are off one or both shoulders.

snug- adj. comfortably sheltered; cozy. /adj. Small but well arranged: a snug apartment

His silver mane was pulled back into a snug braid.

Make sure the fit is good and snug.

puffy- Swollen, as with air or some soft substance; puffed up; tumid; soft: as, a puffy tumor.

The sliced fish was puffy and crisp to the touch.

Her eyes were puffy and her cheeks dragged down.

coverlet- n. A bedspread.

As soon as he touched them they crumbled to dust on the coverlet.

A tiny stab of guilt made her shift her seat on the coverlet.

 to flush- v. To turn red, as from fever, embarrassment, or strong emotion; blush.

Tony flushed and looked at her.

The businessman felt his face flush red.

claret- n. A dry red wine produced in the Bordeaux region of France.

We sipped the claret in silence, eyeing each other over the wine.

Perhaps some claret for your brother?