I gazed at each face for as long as I could - I thought that each courtier, each subtle cleric, each woman in velvet might speak to me - I would read their thoughts, I would l hear their voices -
There was Don Gabriel de la Cuerva, Viceroy of Navarre, fifth Duke of Alberqueque, with his icy murderous stare - carved into the side of the marble plinth, upon which he rested his dagger clasping hand, were the words - aqui esto sim temor y de la muerta no he pivor - I am here without fear, and have no dread of death -
Faustino Avogado, the knight with the wounded foot, fled to Ferrara following the assassination of Count Achille Brembato in 1565 - tumbling drunkenly into a well, Faustino drowned in its cool depths - a jaded lordling looked at me, with his hooded eyes and dark brown beard -
The lady in black held a small book in her hands - her eyes were like icy stones - nearby was Giovanni Geralamo Albini, sitting like a cruel dwarf lord upon a wooden chair, with his full white beard and implacable brow -
Fra Michele da Brescia was calm and composed - he had the face of a sinuous politician - I protected the church, with justice, and I brought peace -
I scribbled notes in my book about each face that I saw -
After a while, I had to leave the high ceilinged rooms of paintings - I pushed my way past courtly gaffers, blue stockings, a faun in a wheelchair -
I met up with Jay in the Gallery Cafe - faces floated in the air around me - I heard the whisper of steel, I smelt smoke and incense -
15.00
January 17 2015
The Royal Academy
London
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