What opera begins with an artist painting a portrait of the female character?

Question:

What opera begins with an artist painting a portrait of the female character?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Tosca would be the correct answer; however, the opera begins with Angelotti trying to find sanctuary in a church who is then followed by the Sacristan complaining about the painter...Cavaradossi who the asks for his paints before he sings the famous aria "Recondita armonia" but my favorita aria is "Va, Tosca" followed by the Te Deum" what glorious writting by Puccini with Scarpia singing about his lust for Tosca in Church....