Cuaderno de actividades de aprendizaje /
Lengua adicional al español IV
31
Monsieur Signy l’Abbaye was a master artist in his day, who in 1392
was ready to retire. It was the month of May. But Guiliano Bartoli, a
rich Italian patron, sent for him saying, “I’d like a portrait of myself
on my banquet room wall. Could you paint it? It’s 20 feet tall.”
Contemplating this request, Monsieur l’Abbaye shook his head. “I’m
ready to retire, so I’m not available for hire. I’m sorry. I simply can’t
paint your portrait.” But seeing the disappointment in Senior
Bartoli’s
eyes, he continued, “Well, there’s a possibility if you can Fnd it in your heart to allow me to
explore
the limits of my abilities. Not for money mind you, but for food and a bed instead. Furthermore,
you need not even pose because my memory’s excellent. Already I can see your portrait and how to derive
it. But I insist, Senior Bartoli, while I work your portrait stays private -- even from you!” .
This is strange, thought the patron, but he also thought about how highly
the
artist had been recommended.
“Of course,” he said “Anything you wish, but I insist upon paying you at least something for your effort.
Let’s draw up a contract.”
Now a glint came to Monsieur l’Abbaye’s eyes as he gazed upon that
20-foot wall and thought of all that space, such a wonderful place for
schemes and things to give imagination wings. Because, unknown to
Senior
Bartoli, or anyone else for that matter, for all of his career (which
was 45 years) Monsieur L’Abbaye had yearned to paint in his own way.
And what way was that? Certainly not the style of Byzantine or of
Proto-Renaissance.
No. Monsieur Signy l’Abbaye had hungered to break
free of restraints. But the guild, his craft and livelihood, would never have
allowed it so he followed their rules although never proud of it. Of course
he didn’t reveal this to Senior Bartoli.
Signing the contract, they sealed
the agreement.
Immediately the master artist threw a high curtain in front of the wall, a curtain through which Senior
Bartoli couldn’t see at all. He tried to peek, but Monsieur l’Abbaye insisted on total privacy for his artistic
techniques.
A week passed. “How is it coming?” asked the hopeful Senior Bartoli.
Answering him from behind the curtain, Monsieur l’Abbaye said, “It’s coming quite well. You know, at the
age of eight I was apprentice to the great Ambrogio Lorenzetti. I could never dishonor his name. He taught
me the art of grinding pigment, laying plaster, sometimes slowly, sometimes faster. He taught me how to
draw and, most important, not to hurry. My training was rigorous and after certiFcation even more
vigorous
. Senior Bartoli, a masterpiece.
.. takes a while at least.”
ir al Examen
