> Where I am stuck is in the banquet room. I can get in the kitchen etc. and to the portrait but the servers just keep stopping me from taking it no matter what multiple choices I make. I have entered the banquet room from the east and west.
> I would be sooooo grateful to receive any information. THANKS!!

Well, if you've gotten into the kitchen, then I think you already figured out the first part of it. Make sure when you leave the kitchen that you do everything from then on *as quick as possible*. That's very important at one key step.

For all this to happen, I'm pretty sure you need to reach a key event in the game which explains *why* you need the painting, also.