The painting above was done by a master approximately 500 years ago. The title is Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World). If it reminds one of the Mona Lisa, it is because it is by Leonardo da Vinci. It was once owned by England's Charles I, then went missing. It is believed that it was painted over in 1900. Despite this, it sold at a 1958 Sotheby's auction for $60. In 2005 it was brought to an expert. It was restored, the paint covering it removed. It was then verified as an original, one of only 20 of da Vinci's paintings known to exist. In November it will be auctioned by Christie's and may fetch as much as $100 million. Maybe it will inspire another best seller from Dan Brown. (Facts from an article in the NY Post and the Christie's web site.
As the Harvey Weinstein scandal gets uglier, I wonder what finally incited the all-out attack after decades of abuse, of others looking away at his behavior. As far back as 2004 the NY Times was ready to publish an article of his sins, but backed off. Who did he piss off or betray to have suddenly become the target of such intense vitriol? I don't feel sorry for him, but I am curious. Why now? Is it simply a matter of an inevitable tipping point having been reached?
The first hour of the floating book shop turned into a political forum of old-timers. Mountain Man delivered his usual screed against everyone in office. We were soon joined by Political Man, who tried to turn the conversation into a partisan attack on President Trump, which MM wouldn't allow, driving PM away. Soon Alan joined us. Although he is non-partisan, he made some vicious comments about Trump, blaming him entirely for things not getting done. He and MM believe that there is no fixing America, that it is doomed. I'm not as pessimistic as they, but I am worried what needs to be done to revive the economy will stall, and that the window of opportunity for meaningful change will slam shut permanently. Fortunately Mike, pushing his shopping cart, arrived. He is apolitical, a breath of fresh air. The three quizzed each other on tenants they hadn't seen in a while, and commented on the high rate of turnover in the three apartment buildings on the street, which are owned by Lefrak, which charges $1800 a month for a one-bedroom. Fortunately, all three enjoy rent stabilization rates. They have lived in their apartments more than 40 years. It got awful quiet when they departed. My thanks to the young couple, my only customers of the session, who purchased three books in Russian, two of them translations of Danielle Steel novels.
Vic's Sixth novel: http://tinyurl.com/zpuhucj
Vic's Short Works: http://tinyurl.com/jy55pzc
Vic's 5th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/okxkwh5Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story Collection:http:// tinyurl.com/lh2tepa
Vic's 2nd Novel Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tinyurl.com/l84h63j
Vic's 2nd Novel Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tinyurl.com/l84h63j
Read Vic's Stories, free: http://fictionaut.com/users/vic-fortezza
No comments:
Post a Comment