Oronte Character Analysis

Oronte is an Italian immigrant who is another of the artist’s favorite models. He is extremely expressive and has a knack for imitation. He doesn’t speak any English, and he astonishes the artist with how well he can communicate without language, a talent that makes Oronte an especially useful model. Like the other main characters, he is also a symbol; he represents artifice (like Miss Churm) and also the working and immigrant classes. Oronte left Italy for England in the hopes of making more money. IN England, he sells ice cream from a hand cart until his work partner abandons him. Following this, he approaches the artist for employment as a model. Although the artist initially plans to turn him away, Oronte quickly charms and impresses the artist with his expressions and zest and is hired as both a model and a servant. As time progresses, the artist substitutes Oronte for Major Monarch in modelling sessions.