21«So, do you like the model I have chosen to represent you in the painting?» The Master asks Amerigo.
«How could it be otherwise? I am very pleased that my uninspiring person is portrayed with such exceptional features».
«Come now!» bursts Leonardo. «You could have easily painted Amerigo the way he is. He is not ugly looking, quite the opposite!» He glances provocatively at Amerigo who responds promptly with an open smile, in no way embarrassed.
«I know Amerigo is fascinating», Botticelli admits as his eyes caress his friend Amerigo, with his long angular face, red hair and beard, brown eyes with a splash of green, his important stature and refined posture. Then he adds almost in a whisper: «But, for now, no one apart from our circle must suspect it is about him. My painting will have
