40

The Painter and the Photographer

Jennifer Appel arrived in early May on a late evening flight from Paris to Rome, took a cab to the Hotel Gregoriana, and went straight to bed. Early the next morning, she strode briskly down the Spanish Steps on the way to her brother’s apartment. Flower vendors were already opening their carts, so she bought tulips and daffodils. She noticed she was being watched. A few men sidled by her when she turned to go further down the stairs, but her haughty and determined look easily put them off. She was wearing loose beige linen pants and a skimpy black T-shirt stretched tight across her chest by a large leather backpack. She wore a hammered gold choker that gleamed in the morning sun as if she was in Rome to conquer. Leering local men wondered what she carried in her backpack.

She arrived at the apartment and rushed in to see Sarah’s smiling face. Simon clenched her in a bear hug and then held her back to see her face. “You look happy, Jen. Are you in love?”

She handed him the flowers. “Oh, no, not at all. I just love walking around Rome, especially in the spring. Your apartment is wonderful! We’ll have such a marvelous time. You are glowing, Sarah!” she said, admiring Sarah’s rounded belly under a loose white blouse. “Those pearls are fabulous. You look Edwardian, just perfect for being photographed in Rome. Simon, go put on a linen jacket, something romantic! Sarah, also bring a pretty shawl, maybe a hat, a few accoutrements to flatter you. I’ve got my cameras, so I’m all ready!”

They rushed around grabbing what they needed, but as they were heading out the door Sarah’s phone rang. “Oh, hello, Sarah! I’m so happy I’ve reached you!” said a lilting, excited Italian voice. “This is Matilda Pierleoni! Armando will be here in a little while to prepare for a big show in Rome. Now that we have our country house fully open, will you please come visit this weekend and bring Simon with you? I am so anxious to meet him; Armando speaks so highly of him. Armando’s newest work is here now and he wants you both to see it. Do come!” Sarah glanced at Jennifer and Simon, wondering what to say. “Matilda, how lovely of you to call, and of course I’d love to bring Simon to your villa. However, Simon’s sister, Jennifer, just arrived from Paris to visit and photograph us.”

“Oh, Sarah, excuse me for asking so much, but bring her too! We’d love to meet her. And she could take some photos of you and Simon in Tuscany! You could give one to William for his birthday in August. We’d love to have Jennifer come! You could even stop by Orvieto for lunch and a few photos.”

Sarah needed to discuss it with Simon and Jennifer, so she said she’d call back in a few minutes. Simon and Jennifer couldn’t resist the prospect of staying in an ancient castle in Tuscany, so the visit was arranged and they went out the door. They had a wonderful day walking around taking photos in piazzas, on the Spanish Steps, in the Borghese Gardens, in front of fountains, and in outdoor cafes. Jennifer took hundreds of photos and impressed Sarah with her focus and endurance, which nearly exhausted Sarah.

On the following morning, Guido picked them up, and in a few hours more photos were taken in front of Orvieto Cathedral’s golden façade. Eventually the car made its way up the curving driveway up to Castel Vetulonia. The beautiful views of the countryside entranced Jennifer and Simon. Guido said, “Sarah, I assume you remember the room you stayed in and possibly the one your father stayed in? If you like, you and Simon can stay in your room, and you can show Jennifer to the other room across the hall? I will bring up your bags.”

Sarah led them through the back gate where Matilda and Pietro waited. She took Matilda’s hand and kissed her on the cheek, and then she kissed Pietro’s glowing cheek. They both exclaimed over Sarah and her growing baby belly. Sarah smiled and accepted their gracious compliments, but she couldn’t help but notice the sadness hidden deep in Matilda’s eyes. Sarah turned to introduce Simon and Jennifer. Matilda took Jennifer’s hand to welcome her, as did Pietro, and then Matilda turned to Simon with a warm smile. She looked into his dark, intense eyes, taking note of his sweet and handsome features. “Oh, what a pair you make, Simon, and your beautiful sister is just as charming.”

Both Simon and Jennifer smiled to acknowledge the compliment, and then they went up the back stairs to the front entry hall. Jennifer looked up to the vaulted ceilings and then cast her eyes down to the ancient worn stone floors in front of a magnificent wide stairway. “This is just exquisite! It is so lived in and warm and I think early Renaissance? What a magnificent great hall! Sarah, you did not prepare me! This is a castle!”

Simon was taken aback by seeing what Sarah could have so easily chosen. He could hardly believe she’d resisted such romance and beauty. He was very impressed yet slightly stunned, so he took Sarah’s hand and blurted out, “Now, this is a staircase for a bride’s descent!”

There was a pause while Sarah blushed, causing Jennifer to shoot them both a quizzical look. Always the perfect hostess, Matilda said, “Oh, yes, Simon. I came down these stairs as a bride, as did Armando’s older sister! When I was married here more than forty years ago, this hall was not restored, so our wedding was rustic and romantic. I will show you some photos while you are here. Now, go to your rooms to freshen, and we will all meet in the library for drinks at six when Armando will join us.”

Sarah and Simon settled Jennifer in her room, which featured a heavily carved, dark oak medieval bed with a lavishly embroidered canopy. A sunny balcony with an intriguing view of a tower by a back courtyard beckoned. Jennifer looked out and exclaimed, “I will just sit there all afternoon! See you for dinner. But wait. Who is Armando?”

Simon and Sarah exchanged quick glances. He said, “He is their oldest son, a painter. We have recently become acquainted and I’m sure he will enjoy meeting you!” Jennifer rolled her eyes and showed them to the door.

Sarah opened the double doors to her room and led Simon in. A profound silence gripped them both as they stood gazing at golden Tuscan fields bathed in late afternoon sunlight. They were enthralled by the distant views of amber patchwork hay fields and grapevines in many shades of green and red interspersed with old walls and winding roads. Double rows of cypress trees marked neighboring ancient villas and roads. Simon said in a wistful, quiet voice, “If Armando had not attacked you it would have been hard to resist this. This is every woman’s secret dream! His parents are delightful, this villa is magical; you might not have been able to turn him down.”

“Simon,” she replied thoughtfully, “it did all appeal to my vanity and my fantasies but being with Armando never felt quite right. Once he did what he did it made the decision pretty easy. Besides, he was not meant to be my husband, only my friend. You are my love.” He embraced her, running his fingers through her hair and enjoying the feel of her rounded belly against his. “ I think you might be able to feel little flutters,” she said happily placing his hand on her belly.

At six the three of them went down to the library. Sarah had warned Jennifer to dress for dinner, so she walked in wearing a high fashion teal and gray geometric-print silk dress that resembled an abstract expressionist painting. It accentuated her long slender waist and slightly hugged her broad and strong hips. The neckline plunged in a deep V, offering subtle views of her small yet very shapely breasts, and a gold necklace with dramatic tourmaline teardrops accentuated her neck. Her entrance startled Armando; it was as if a tropical bird had flown into the library.

Jennifer was so distracted by the library that she had to remind herself to focus on her manners. She noticed a tall, catlike man in a beige linen jacket standing by an alcove with a tall window watching her. He seemed to pull through the room toward her! She felt awkward yet curiously dominated as she approached Matilda to greet her. “Hello, Matilda. What a stunning and warm library! The vaulting looks medieval, yet most of what I’ve seen of your villa is Renaissance. Is this room medieval?” She waited for an answer while Pietro gazed at her, and Armando appraised every inch of her body.

Matilda replied, “Yes, Jennifer. This room, my favorite, was the original great hall in the 1300s. This end of the castle is from the earlier period, as is the dining room. The kitchen area is the oldest part, possibly tenth century. I am so happy you like our library.”

Simon joined them, saying with enthusiasm, “This is such a wonderful library! I could just stay right here forever.”

Sarah noticed Armando standing slightly apart. “May I introduce you to Jennifer?” She crossed the room and took Jennifer’s arm to lead her away from Pietro. Jennifer took a deep breath and forced herself to look directly into Armando’s eyes, although she was exceedingly nervous. I have never seen a man as beautiful as this one. I could cast him in my lenses for a hundred years; he is luminous.

Armando’s knees weakened when she came closer. This woman was the woman from his dreams! She seemed to fly into his chest and then fly out, distorting his vision. Cool waves flushed through his body edging out to rushes of hot fire when he extended his hand. Oh my god, I’m going to touch her. He took her hand and noticed it felt warm, so he held it for a moment lacing his long tapered fingers through her palm onto her pulse. His hand was locked into hers like a magnet. “Welcome, Jennifer. I do hope you like your room and your visit so far? It is my pleasure to meet you. If you enjoyed the afternoon sun out on your balcony, you may have noticed the square medieval tower just beyond the courtyard, my painting studio?”

The electric silkiness in his fingers thrilled her as he continued to hold her hand. What do I do? Is this Italian? French guys do this when they want to go upstairs. She smiled gloriously, revealing perfect teeth. “Yes, I am happy to be here, so honored to be graciously invited by your mother. I cannot imagine anything more marvelous than this castle.” Then she boldly penetrated his sensual, distant eyes, which reflected her own enigmatic presence.

“How excellent! I am sure we will have a wonderful time together.” He looked around acknowledging the others once again. “I am anxious to show all of you my work.” Armando knew the others realized something big was going on. Simon could tell Jennifer was extremely attracted to Armando. This made him a little nervous. But he knew his sister was a strong woman who could hold her own, certainly more experienced than Sarah had been. Matilda and Pietro beheld the stunning woman standing by the window with their son as if she’d always been there. Watching them, Sarah recalled the first time she had seen Armando in that room. She’s older than I was and he is a different man; she can handle him.

The party of six lingered with wine and sparkling water for Sarah. Once the conversation began, it flowed like a perfect dance. Jennifer relaxed in a large Windsor chair feasting her eyes on the books, rich fabric, and art. Armando came over to sit on the edge of a heavy oak bench next to her and said, “Everything is in this library, so please feel free to come down for books. Don’t miss climbing the spiral staircase to the upper balcony where there are more.” He knew this lovely woman was very taken with him. Her classic angular features and large dark eyes were exotic, and her body was strong yet delicate like Simon’s. She was confident, bold, and didn’t hide her attraction to him. He felt playful, so he said, “I feel like I’ve seen you before. Have you appeared in Parisian magazines, or did we know each other in another lifetime? I know that sounds like a naive come on, but I don’t mean it that way. I am sincere.”

What do I say to that? Making sure nobody else was listening she said, “Maybe there is something in me that reminds you of yourself?”

“Well, if so,” Armando said, laughing, “then I must be beautiful inside, which I never thought was the case. Forgive me, Jennifer, I am an artist and I must say, you look exquisite in this room. It’s as if it has been waiting for you.”

Jennifer replied very discreetly in a low voice, “Since you are also an artist, I will not think of you as merely a flirtatious Italian. I accept the compliment. Now, may I return the favor?” He showed his assent by smiling enigmatically. “You are very elegant and serene; you would make a fabulous subject.”

Armando tilted his head and smiled more warmly, accentuating his sensual lips and alluring dark eyes; he liked her boldness. He said outrageous things to her, and she handed them right back. He felt free and playful, the way he had been long ago before life got so complex. She liberates me.

Jennifer studied his beautiful features while he spoke. She, too, could sense that the others knew what was unfolding. She liked his flirtatiousness and sense of humor. He made her feel like an open box of Godiva chocolates.

“Come on, Jennifer and Armando, time for dinner. The cook won’t wait any longer,” Matilda said when they realized everybody else had already gotten up. As they filed into the dining room, Matilda said, “Armando, I always place the most eligible young lady next to your father, but tonight I’d like to switch you so that you can enjoy Jennifer’s company. That is, if you don’t mind, Pietro?”

“Oh, of course not. Tonight I will enjoy sitting with Sarah with pleasure. We will discuss Marcion, since I have looked into the sources myself. I found some very interesting Gnostic tractates in the upper section of the library for you to look at, Sarah. Tonight, Simon, she is mine.” Thus Armando and Jennifer were free to probe into the events of their lives that led up to the present moment. Armando knew she was the one, and Matilda sensed that Armando might have finally found a woman he could care for in a real way.

After everyone went to bed, Sarah took Simon into the ancient chapel to meditate and then they snuggled into the cozy bed. Simon wasn’t sure how he felt about Jennifer’s interactions with Armando. He was becoming more comfortable with Armando and it seemed he truly had transformed, but he still worried about his only sister. On the other hand, now that she was thirty-two she wanted children, so he hoped she’d find someone to love soon. Her great success as a photographer challenged most men, and many of her colleagues were gay. Armando matched her in intelligence and personality, and it seemed his new view of life could support her strong spirit.

Sarah read a novel for a while. Just before turning out the light, she studied the embroidered tendrils and small flowers gracing the inside of the canopy, the same ones that had soothed her after Armando’s attack. When she fell asleep, a big dream came. I see Jesus in a woven white robe approaching the well where I wait for him in a hooded sapphire blue robe. I hold the alabaster jar. He comes close to me and I kneel in adoration. He says, “Rise, Mary, you are not beneath me.” I rise. He kneels in front of me, and I anoint his forehead, temples, and lips. Light waves flowing out of his body lift him way above the well. He beckons me with his arms; his eyes draw me up to him.

The guests enjoyed fresh orange juice, omelets, and homemade bread with jam, then Armando took Simon, Jennifer, and Sarah up to his studio. Sarah was very anxious to see Armando’s work; however, as they reached the bottom of the stairs she hesitated, realizing she hadn’t been back to his studio since the day he attacked her. Armando smiled reassuringly at her and led the way up the stairs. He pushed the door open and led them in. Holding Simon’s hand, Sarah walked in and then gasped. More than twenty large canvases of powerful and compelling medieval-style paintings interspersed with modern touches were scattered around the floor and hanging at upper levels. Writhing bloody animals, grotesque suffering humans, and flying angels oozed through modern scenarios of freeways, tall buildings, nuclear power plants, digital screens, and storms. The medieval elements emerged in the modern scenes like the unconscious mind becoming conscious.

Nobody said anything; they just stared. After twenty minutes, Sarah realized she was viewing a hellish underworld, a suffering middle world, and a transcendent upper world of light and uplifted angelic beings. This activated the Underworld flow in her lower body and simultaneously lifted her soul into transcendence. Finally she said, “These are magnificent, magnificent. You depict the struggle we all have—the agony of life and the higher elements that give us hope. These paintings will awaken people’s consciousness by forcing them to consider evil influences.”

Jennifer had no idea what to say. Finally she said, “These are fantastic, but is this what comes out of you as a Catholic, I assume since you are Italian?”

“Yes, of course I am Catholic,” Armando replied, smiling. “But these ideas are not inspired by the Church. These are the universal elements in our consciousness. I paint them to exorcise deep fear, to free us from possession so that we can take the next evolutionary step. We are all in the apocalypse now exposing hell, transforming our world, and transmuting to higher realms.”

“Armando,” Simon broke in, “these are truly great, so honest. But for them to create change, many people must see them. Are you selling them? Are you doing any big shows?” While he said that, he was thinking the paintings helped him understand Armando better. What a tortured soul he is.

“Thank you, Simon,” he said. “I just had a major show in Florence, and two-thirds of these were sold, two of them to museums. I have a show coming up at a new gallery for modern art in Rome. I was very nervous about how the dealers would respond to such a radical shift, but I’ve simply lost interest in painting landscapes. Fortunately, I had previously sold enough to persuade the dealers to give my new work a try. So far these paintings have been received more enthusiastically than my landscapes ever were. The show in Florence ended and I’ve gathered them here for the show in Rome. I think people will come to see them, since they are hungry for real art, art that expresses the complexity of life. Not all the reviewers like them, but the reviews were mostly positive.”

Jennifer contemplated his work. With the ability to express such artistic majesty, what is this guy like inside? He must be really sexual and deeply emotional. Armando is obviously not boring. I bet he’s a real handful but my brother seems to like him. She looked over to Simon and noticed he was watching her. I bet he wonders what I think. She said to Armando, “How do you feel after you paint one of these? I think I would get all stirred up, maybe feel crazy. Your work is intense, apocalyptic, and very multidimensional. After a morning in this studio, how do you eat a tuna fish sandwich for lunch?” She spoke very earnestly because she really wanted to know. Sarah suppressed a snorting giggle, and Armando roared with laughter at the thought of eating a tuna fish sandwich after painting the apocalypse all morning.

“Forgive us, but the juxtaposition of this art with a tuna fish sandwich is very funny,” Armando replied. Jennifer joined in and they all doubled over with mirth, releasing the high tension from studying such disturbing art. Armando put his arm around her shoulder and hugged her firmly, which she really liked. He said, “You know what? That’s the most effective comic relief I’ve ever had, even though Italians rarely eat tuna sandwiches! To answer your real question, it is often very difficult to transition back into the mundane world after I’ve painted one of these. That’s why I spend so much time up here when I’m painting. “