Chapter 8
I had received the maximum recognition possible in my artistic career at court. After the queen and Princess Joana, the king too had asked to have his portrait painted.
Initially I was dismayed because to immortalise His Majesty would mean being compared with previous illustrious painters, including no less a personage than Titian. Then I started to reflect. After all there was no need to play the game on the same field. Official status was something that didn't concern me. I would suggest a portrait of a personal nature, without weapons and armour, but in civilian clothing, which would reveal an image, not of power but of the sobriety and composure which were an essential part of his character.
The king accepted my proposals with alacrity and the result was something quite ne
