He believed art was the zenith. He asked: What do men respect most? Laws? Writings? They respect the bronze horse, the jeweled necklace...the alabaster vase...the cameo...the bas-relief...great murals...antiquities!
Old thoughts now, but new then, important then.
Andrea often praised such accomplishments. How often we talked in his small garden, trellised with wisteria and grape, his sister, Margharita, looking after us. He had a scar across his right cheek, a special smile because of it. What an aura there was at his home—like nowhere else. Simple, family accord, everyone doing his part.
I remember something Andrea said:
“When I shivered as a child, I knew an angel had passed by.”
Cloux
Manor House
Early morning. Good light. Francesco and I worked at our easels until lunch. Cold.
At lunch, F said: