Siri Hustvedt’s novel What I Loved begins with a scene where art historian Leo watches a nude painting. This painting, explained at lengths and with details, belongs to artist Bill Wechsler who would make a name for himself in the New York art scene. Leo buys the painting and befriends its painter upon which Leo and his wife Erica become friends with Bill and his wife Lucille who all become closely acquainted and see each other frequently.