Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction Plot Synopsis
Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction is a fantasy romantic period drama that revolves around Mr. Cazotte, a self-described master of seduction and an artist. The scheming Royal Duchess of Babenhausen appoints Cazotte to pass on the skill of making love to the reserved Crown Prince Lothar, who appears uninterested in women.
Once a child is born outside of wedlock, the Duchesses strategy goes awry. The royal household is then compelled to relocate to an abandoned castle to protect themselves against a scandal. They make this move given that failing to do so could jeopardise their right to the throne.
What themes does the romantic period piece deal with?
The beloved novel Ehrengard by Karen Blixen served as the inspiration for the period comedy. The work of fiction was written and published by the author using the alias Isak Dinesen. The movie adaptation seamlessly weaves a story containing themes of infatuation, royal scandal, and intriguing wagers.
How do Cazotte and the Grand Duchess get acquainted with each other?
At Babenhausen, our primary protagonist, Cazotte, who is also an artist, is in the process of painting a portrait of the Grand Duchess. The painter paints an exquisite portrait of the duchess while discussing the finer points of the art of seduction as he works on the portrait at the same time.
The painter has captivated the Grand Duchess’s attention. It is shown that she is attempting to have sex with him, but he is shown rejecting her advances and saying that he does not want to get in the King’s bad graces.
Who does Cazotte develop feelings for?
After a few days have passed, the Grand Ball is going to take place inside the castle. Since the Grand Duchess has developed an interest in the painter, she decides to extend an invitation to him.
When Cazotte arrives at the castle, his attention is immediately drawn to Ehrengard, who is the daughter of the traditional aide-de-camp to the previous Duke. Her exquisite attractiveness and sophisticated appreciation of art at once take him aback. Following this, he makes an effort to strike up a conversation with her, even though her conservative father drives him away.
What favor does Cazotte ask the Grand Duchess?
Cazotte’s portrait had such an impact on the Grand Duchess that she decides to grant him a favor not long after meeting him. Subsequently, Cazotte expresses his desire to meet with Ehrengard, citing his intention to create an artistic portrayal of her through the medium of portraiture. The Grand Duchess is willing to set up the meeting in light of the fact that she has already given him her word.
At what point is the plot set in motion?
A few days later, the Grand Duchess sends for Cazotte to appear before her. As soon as he arrives, she informs him that Ehrengard’s father did not give his permission for him to paint a portrait of his daughter. Following this, the Grand Duchess has a request that pertains to him. She asks him to teach her son, the Crown Prince Lothar the art of seduction so that he can become King.
Cazotte is informed by the Grand Duchess that in order for the Prince to become heir to the throne, he must first get married to a suitable woman. On the other hand, Lothar doesn’t show much interest in women and is extremely reserved.
In addition, she goes to warn him of the risks involved. In the event that the prince does not live up to his responsibilities, the Marbods have prepared themselves for the possibility that their son could inherit the throne. Cazotte offers his help after hearing the Grand Duchess’ worries and he commits to address them.
Does Cazotte manage to teach Prince Lothar the art of seduction?
Not long after that, Cazotte makes an effort to gradually become Prince Lothar’s friend. Soon after, he starts introducing the Prince to more grownup concepts, and shortly after that, he introduces the Prince to a girl named Ludmilla who comes from a wealthy household.
Cazotte plays a crucial role in the beginning stages of Prince Lothar and Ludmilla’s courtship, which ultimately leads to the couple getting married. The fact that the Prince will soon be able to assume the throne is causing a great deal of excitement for everyone, including the Grand Duchess.
What causes tensions and how is it rectified?
The joy, however, does not last long because the Royal Duchess finds out that the woman who went on to become Princess Ludmilla was already pregnant with the Prince’s child when they got married. Because of this, there is a substantial risk that the Prince will not be able to inherit the throne.
The Grand Duchess calls Cazotte to her chambers and briefs him on the current situation. After giving it some consideration, he suggests that they relocate Prince Lothar and Princess Ludmilla to the remote Rosenbad Castle so that they are out of sight from the general populace. Even though he will be born early, he suggests that they wait to introduce the infant until after nine months have passed.
The Grand Duchess has no other option, so she gives in and agrees to the idea. Now, Cazotte recommends that they take Ehrengard along with them because she will be a discreet and excellent short-term aide for the princess. Cazotte says that this is the most effective strategy. After giving it some consideration, the Grand Duchess agrees to his request.
As a result of this, Cazotte and the Grand Duchess wind up placing bets against each other as the Grand Duchess had originally suggested. She tells him that if he is successful in wooing Ehrengard, he will be given a seat in the royal court. However, if he is unsuccessful in doing so, he must have sex with the Grand Duchess. Cazotte does, in the end, take part in the wager.
Almost immediately, the prince, princess, Ehrengard, and Cazotte relocate to the remote Rosenbad Castle. However, while they are travelling, Cazotte finds out that Ehrengard already has a fiancée. Despite this, he is unwavering in his commitment to win her over.
When does the falling action in the movie begin?
At the castle, gradually sparks fly between Cazotte and Ehrengard. In addition to this, he finds himself painting a naked portrait of her while she is bathing in a lake, completely oblivious to the fact that he is there.
One day, Ehrengard is listening in on Cazotte’s conversation with the Grand Duchess when she overhears them discussing the wager. Following this, she discovers naked portraits of herself that are hidden. While all is going on, Ludmilla gives birth, and everything with the prince and princess continues to run flawlessly.
However, the ease in the circumstances seems to be temporary as the Marbods begin to have suspicions, and as a consequence, they turn up to see the expecting princess, who is no longer pregnant. At first, Cazotte managed to get rid of them from the castle doors. Despite this, they insist on meeting the prince and princess a second time, presumably because they detect something fishy.
Following that, the Morbods do some investigating, and they find out through Matthias, spouse of the newly employed Lisbeth, that the princess has already delivered her child. As a consequence of this, they pay him to bring the child to them so that they may expose the prince and princess. Mathias agrees to do this as a consequence of the fact that his wife was taken to the castle against his will.
Do the Marbods manage to learn the truth?
The Marbods’ luck appears to be changing for the better. Because of Matthias, the Marbods discover the infant as well. Fortunately, Ehrengard thinks of a straightforward solution and saves the day. Ehrengard says she and Cazotte are the biological parents of the infant. Following this, things calm down and the issue is resolved.
Does Cazotte win Ehrengard over?
Ehrengard tells Cazotte that she is familiar with the drawings. She claims the baby is hers and presents the photos as evidence that she and Cazotte are a thing. In addition, her fiance Kurt is watching the whole thing unfold.
Cazotte and Ehrengard do not end up together, as revealed in the movie’s closing minutes. Cazotte proved unsuccessful in his attempt to win over Ehrengard. Cazotte then sleeps with the Grand Duchess because she won the wager. Additionally, he doesn’t get a position in the royal court.
We discover that Cazotte relocates to the artistic capital of Rome, where he continues to polish his craft. In addition, his allure as the maestro of seduction remains undimmed, and he frequently impresses women with his skills in this regard.
Read More: Ehrengard Movie Review