His Masterpiece · Character

Christine

A lonely young woman who drifts into Claude's studio and becomes both his model and his anchor, Christine loves a man whose first loyalty will always be to paint.

major

Also known as Madame Christine

First appearance: His Masterpiece

As a major figure in His Masterpiece, Christine is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Claude's partner, who supports him but faces neglect and emotional strain due to his fixation on his work.

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Alone in a sleepy provincial household, Christine craves friendship and takes her first day out straight to the studio of the strange painter she cannot forget. She finds herself already on his canvas, sprawled nude in the grass with her own features, and the recognition wounds her as much as it binds her to him. Her visits to Sandoz's Thursdays, her quiet interventions with Claude's friends, and her growing fear of the picture that consumes him make her the story's most clear-eyed witness to what art costs.

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Character Web

23 connections

A slice of how Christine sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Romantic
Friendship
Family
Other

Character groups

Artist circle and family
Peripheral and supporting figures
Protagonist

+18 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this chapter, Claude reaches his emotional and psychological peak as he is consumed by a feverish, delusion…

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Relationships

Claude Lantier
romantic · negative
Christine is Claude's devoted but suffering lover and later wife, trapped in a toxic… How this plays out →
Sandoz
friendship · positive
Little Jacques
family · positive
Claude Lantier
romantic · negative
Christine is Claude's devoted but suffering lover and later wife, trapped in a toxic… How this plays out →
Claude Lantier
romantic · negative
Christine is Claude's devoted but suffering lover and later wife, trapped in a toxic… How this plays out →
Sandoz
friendship · positive
Little Jacques
family · positive
Sandoz
friendship · positive

Claude Lantier
Christine is Claude's devoted but suffering lover and later wife, trapped in a toxic relationship dominated by his artistic obsession.
Sandoz
Christine and Sandoz have a cordial, sympathetic friendship, as Sandoz is one of the few who understands her suffering with Claude.
Little Jacques
Christine is the devoted mother of Little Jacques, her son with Claude, and her love for him is her only solace in a miserable marriage.
Claude Lantier
Christine is Claude's devoted but suffering lover and later wife, trapped in a toxic relationship dominated by his artistic obsession.
Claude Lantier
Christine is Claude's devoted but suffering lover and later wife, trapped in a toxic relationship dominated by his artistic obsession.
Sandoz
Christine and Sandoz have a cordial, sympathetic friendship, as Sandoz is one of the few who understands her suffering with Claude.
Little Jacques
Christine is the devoted mother of Little Jacques, her son with Claude, and her love for him is her only solace in a miserable marriage.
Sandoz
Christine and Sandoz have a cordial, sympathetic friendship, as Sandoz is one of the few who understands her suffering with Claude.

Relationship notes

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In the story

Christine appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

His Masterpiece
Claude's partner, who supports him but faces neglect and emotional strain due to his fixation on his work.
Chapter I
Christine is a young woman from Clermont who has come to Paris to work as a companion. She is modest, quick to dress, and determined to leave alone, though she shares a moment of laughter with Claude.
Chapter II
Not physically present, but Claude uses a sketch of her head to remodel the principal female figure in his painting, hiding the sketch when Sandoz arrives.
IV
Gradually becomes accustomed to Claude's art, agrees to pose for the head of the figure, but feels growing sorrow as her likeness fades from the painting.
Chapter VI
Tries to support Claude and share his passion for painting, but feels increasingly alienated by his obsession.
Chapter VIII
Shares Claude's hopes and disappointments, but grows increasingly sad and neglected; she sacrifices herself and transfers her motherly affection from Jacques to Claude.
Chapter IX
Accepts the sovereignty of art, poses as a model for Claude, and suffers jealousy of the painted image that rivals her.
The Salon's Triumph and Humiliation
Christine kisses Claude goodbye and urges him not to worry, showing her anxiety and support before he leaves for the Salon.
Chapter XI
Lives in fear of Claude's condition; asks Sandoz to take Claude out; attends Sandoz's Thursdays hoping to brighten Claude's spirits.
Chapter XII
Confronts Claude about his obsession with painting, expressing her jealousy and despair; later finds him dead and collapses.

Chapter companion notes

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