(INTRIGUING MUSIC) (INTRIGUING VOCAL MUSIC) (BIRD SCREECHES) www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2022 (THUNDER RUMBLES) (EERIE MUSIC) (BIRD SCREECHES) (CHAINS RATTLE) (BIRD SCREECHES) - (CRIES) - (SHOUTS) - (CRIES) (CHAINS RATTLE) - (SHOUTS) (BIRD SCREECHES) - (CRIES) - (CONTINUES SHOUTING) - There was a pile of ashes outside your studio. We found this ` a fragment of a letter from a priest. - Father Pacioli. - It references the boy of Niccolini. - The painting I made for him. - What we didn't find were any paintings or drawings of Caterina ` not even a single sketch. - It's because she destroyed them. She was angry. - What was she angry about? - I don't know. She never got the chance to explain. (DIRT CRUNCHES) (SHOVELS SCRAPE) - She was love. - I'm sorry? - Leonardo's words to describe Caterina da Cremona. Yet there are no images of her in his studio. Don't you think that's strange? - Not really, no. Who are you? - Stefano Giraldi of the Podesta. You worked for Leonardo. - I did, yes. - Tell me why you don't think it's strange. - I have to go home now. - Then I'll go with you. - No, thank you. - Or we can continue our conversation at the Podesta Prison. - Leonardo was a mass of contradictions ` impossible to understand. - You are one of his closest friends. - No one gets close to him, not really. - I'm told Caterina did. - Well, perhaps that's why we were standing at her grave. - You believe him capable of murder? - I believe Leonardo is capable of anything. (UNSETTLING MUSIC) You don't understand, do you? A man like Leonardo, his genius is forged by pain, and that pain can drive a man to commit terrible acts. (TENSE MUSIC BUILDS) (CHUCKLING ECHOES) Congratulations. (PENSIVE MUSIC) (PENSIVE MUSIC SWELLS) - Your name is on everyone's lips, Leonardo. I am so pleased for you. - I'm very grateful for everything you taught me, Maestro. - Oh. (PENSIVE MUSIC) - Hey. You're Leonardo da Vinci. The one who painted the angel. - Yes. - Yeah, it was extraordinary. So lifelike. How'd you do it? (DOG BARKS) - I... paint what I see. - You see angels? - Um, no, um,... that was the face of a peasant boy I saw down by the river. - Who looks at a peasant and sees angels? Listen. I've modelled for most of the artists in this city. And it'd be an honour to be painted by you. - I'll consider it. - Why not come home with me, and, uh,... we can discuss it? Like what you see? - Um... - To your good health and to the start of a long friendship. - (BREATHES SHAKILY) (CUPS CLINK) (INHALES SHARPLY) - WHISPERS: You look like a scared rabbit. You never kissed a man before? - No. - Surely you've wanted to. - No. (LOW, AMBIENT MUSIC) - But you want to now. WHISPERS: How was that? (SUBDUED MUSIC) Well, you got the hang of that fairly quick. - (BREATHES SHAKILY) (EERIE MUSIC) - Hey. Who are you? FIRMLY: Come back here. (PENSIVE MUSIC) - More? (BANGS ON DOOR) - MAN: Saltarelli, open up. We know you're in there. (BANGS ON DOOR) Officers with a bludgeon. Open up. (DOOR SLAMS OPEN) Saltarelli and da Vinci, you're both under arrest for sodomy. (GATE SHUTS) - GUARD: No. This way. (TENSE MUSIC) - (GRUNTS) - (DOOR SLAMS SHUT, LOCKS) (UNSETTLING MUSIC) (SUBDUED MUSIC) - Tommaso! Tommaso. Tomma` Did you do this?! Answer me. Did you ruin Leonardo from spite? - I heard he was arrested for being with a call boy. - (SPEAKS ITALIAN) He named four other men as his lovers and now walks free while they rot in jail with Leonardo, thanks to you. - How can you possibly blame this on me? - I saw you talking to him the other night. All because I was stupid enough to tell you... - Caterina, listen to me. - ...that Leonardo would not sleep with me. - Listen to me! I was jealous of Leonardo. I admit it. But I wouldn't do this. - Destroying a genius doesn't make you one. You'll never, never be half the man he is. (PENSIVE MUSIC) (LEONARDO SIGHS) - What do you want? - Can I see Leonardo da Vinci? - No visitors. - Then please give him this. Thank you. (DOOR RATTLES) - Da Vinci. (DOOR OPENS, CLOSES) (CRUNCH!) - May I see? - Do you know how much longer we'll be here? - It could be weeks, months,... years. Depends on what the rector says this morning. Is there one of me? Remarkable. (DOOR OPENS) - Take 'em away. Get up. - MAN: Come on. Move. (INDISTINCT CHATTERING) (GRIM MUSIC) (COUGHING) - Let us begin. (GRIM MUSIC CONTINUES) The five of you stand accused of committing sodomy with Jacopo Saltarelli, a male prostitute. Sodomy is not just a heinous crime. It is a sin committed by men who have turned away from God and deserving of the harshest punishment. I will not be inclined to show leniency, since God himself will not. The condemned ` Leonardo Tornabuorni, Bartolomeo di Pasquino. Leonardo da Vinci,... - Rector, may I have a word? (INDISTINCT MUTTERING) (UNEASY MUSIC) - The Lord's mercy is infinite and his justice divine. The charges are dismissed. (CROWD CLAMOURS INDISTINCTLY) (SUBDUED MUSIC) - Charge dismissed. Can you believe it? - It's the timing I find difficult to believe. I was arrested just an hour after I arrived at his house. That's curious, don't you think? - Yes, I thought the same. And to arrest an innocent man. - Well.... - What? - Not exactly innocent. He, um... He awoke feelings in me ` feelings I didn't know I had. (CHURCH BELL TOLLS DISTANTLY) - It's all right. How do you feel? - Frightened. - Mm-hm. - Confused. - (CHUCKLES LIGHTLY) - And grateful. Thank you for your parchments and for your message. Look, um, I need to go back to the studio... - Yes. ...to square things with Verrocchio, but... - Yes. Of course. Off you go. Off you go. - Thank you. (DOOR OPENS, CLOSES) - You must understand the accusation against you is not so easily forgotten. - I'm sorry if I put you in a difficult position. - (SCOFFS) Difficult. - I'm an artist, but I'm also a business man. My principal clients are the church. They won't give me commissions if a man accused of sodomy is allowed to work on them. - No, no, the charges were dismissed. - As if that makes any difference. - It does! - I'm sorry, Leonardo, but... - Maestro, please. - I must consider the welfare of everyone who works here. I'm sorry. (SOMBRE MUSIC) - I'll get my things. - (SIGHS) - Leonardo. - This letter just came for you. (SUBDUED MUSIC) - Follow me, please. Please wait here. (INDISTINCT WHISPERING) (DOOR OPENS) - You are Leonardo da Vinci. - Yes, Messere. Do you know who I am? - Amerigo de Benci, Director of the Medici Bank. - Yes. And this young man is a cousin of the Medici, which is how I came into possession of your rather remarkable drawing. - Thank you, Messere. - I'm told you are exceptionally gifted that the quality of your work on the baptism of Christ exceeds Verrocchio himself. - No, no. I am a mere apprentice. - I wonder if you would accept a commission from me. My daughter Ginevra is to be married, and I would like a portrait to mark the occasion. - A portrait? - Yes. In oil. I'll pay a fair price. - (STAMMERS) I accept. - Good. Ginevra, dear, please. There's someone I'd like you to meet. This is the artist who's to paint your portrait, Leonardo da Vinci. - Messer Leonardo. I'm pleased to meet you. - Madonna. - This is wonderful news. You must be so pleased, Leonardo. (SPEAKS ITALIAN) - (SIGHS) I don't know. I don't know. - What's wrong? - It's the portrait. It's supposed to be a happy one, celebrating her wedding. - Yes, and...? - Ginevra is not happy. Her sorrow is written all over her face. - Leonardo, don't. - I am a disciple of experience, Caterina. - What does that even mean? - It means I paint what I see. I paint my truth. - You've lost your job as first apprentice. You've lost your place at the workshop, and now you have a second chance. Why do you insist on making life so difficult? Paint what you're asked and don't complicate things. All right? (SIGHS) Where are you sleeping tonight? - I'll find a place. - Don't be silly. You'll sleep at mine. - Oh! - Um... - As a thank you, and for... for standing by me, I overheard them talking, and de Benci needed servant, and they said they'll pay twice as much as the candle maker. Just present yourself in the morning. Mm-hm. - Oh! Thank you so much. (KNOCKER CLINKS AGAINST DOOR) (DOOR OPENS) - This is Caterina de Cremona. She's here for the service job. - Yes. Come in. - (INHALES DEEPLY) (EASEL CREAKS) (EASEL CREAKS) - How long must I sit here? - But, Madonna, we've only just begun. (CHUCKLES) - I don't even want this ridiculous portrait. - Oh. You do not wish to commemorate your marriage? - You haven't answered the question. - A week, perhaps two. - I'm supposed to sit here for two whole weeks? - I'm making studies of your face. It takes time. - May I read a book? - I need your eyes looking up. - That's no problem. I'll hold the book up while I read. There. How's that? - But you're looking down, Madonna. You need to hold the book up higher. - Better? - You're sitting at three-quarter profile. - A what? - Three-quarter profile. Portraits are usually painted in full face or in profile. - But if I hold the book directly in front of me, I'll block your view. - You would. - So you're now telling me that I can't read, after all. (GENTLE MUSIC) - (SNIFFS) (BRACELET CLATTERS) (CURIOUS MUSIC) - Do you read? - Um, just the words my father taught me. - You're welcome to borrow that, if you like. - (CHUCKLES) I'd sooner borrow your gold than your books. Forgive me, Madonna. I'm blunt. It's a fault. - What's your name? - Caterina. - That'll be all, Caterina. - Yes, Madonna. Thank you. (HORSE WHINNIES) (PENSIVE MUSIC) (DOOR RATTLES) - What are you doing here? - May I come in? (PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES) (DOOR CLOSES) - I heard about the scandal. I assume you've lost your position at Verrocchio's workshop. - Yes, Father. - It cost me a lot of money getting you into that studio ` money that's all wasted now. - No, it's not wasted. I've been commissioned by Amerigo d Benci to paint his daughter. - One client doesn't make an artist, Leonardo. But you know that, don't you? If you advance me funds to open my own workshop, in time, I could repay you. - Were you guilty? (PENSIVE MUSIC) - No. - I have my family waiting for dinner. Come back tomorrow. (DOG BARKS DISTANTLY) - What are you doing? - There's only one bed. - (LAUGHS) Don't be silly. We'll share it. Come. - Are you sure? - Come. (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) - Ooooh. (SIGHS) - Something's bothering you. - (CHUCKLES LIGHTLY) I was just thinking about something. - What is it? - It's my earliest memory. I was just a baby at my mother's house outside Vinci, and a bird flew in and landed on my crib. - (CAWS) - (CRIES) (CONTINUES CRYING) - (YELLS IN ITALIAN) - My mother was a peasant girl. Her head full of superstition, and she was terrified. She didn't know what to do. She didn't know what it meant. So she took me to the old woman in the village. And my mother believed what the old woman had told her. - What? - (SPEAKS ITALIAN) - She said I was cursed. - What curse? - It doesn't matter. - Leonardo, please tell me. - Whatever the curse was, it made me think maybe I was supposed to be alone forever. - No one is meant to be alone. - Perhaps. But I never did go home after that. - MAN: Leonardo. - I was sent to live with my father. He was a notary with no use for a bastard. And one morning,... - (SPEAKS ITALIAN) - ...he bought me a present. - (SPEAKS ITALIAN) (HORSE NICKERS) - He took me to visit my grandfather. I played while they talked. (HORSE NEIGHS) And then... - Papa! Papa! - And then he was gone. - Papa! Papa! (SOMBRE MUSIC) (DOOR CLOSES) Papa! Papa! Papa! - My father now lives in Florence with his new wife and son. I spoke to him tonight. I asked him for the funds to open the studio. - What did he say? - He said, 'Come back tomorrow.' - Leonardo. You're not alone ` not any more. (GENTLE MUSIC) (KISSES) - Don't you want to smile? - No. - Why not? - Because I am not happy. - This portrait will live beyond you. How would you like to be remembered? - As an honest woman. (HORSE NEIGHS) (GASPS) Is that him? (GASPS) Bernardo! (CHUCKLES) It is! (KNOCKS ON DOOR) (DOOR RATTLES) - Well, well. You're a new face around here. What's your name? - I'm... Caterina. - (CHUCKLES LIGHTLY) Are you going to let me in? - Yes, of course. Who shall I say is calling? - Bernardo Bembo, the ambassador for His Serenity Agostino Barbarigo, the Doge of Venice to the duchy of Milan. - HUSHED: Well, if you want me to use your full title, that's going to take a while. - Take the ambassadors back. - You'd better sit down. - Bernardo! At last, you're here. Have you come to rescue me? - (CHUCKLES) I think you're the last person who needs rescuing. - Oh, but you're wrong. I'm being made to marry this awful man. - Luigi Niccolini is a gentleman from a prosperous family. - You're not taking my father's side, are you? - Of course he is. Bernardo, so good to see you. - And you, my friend. I hope you don't mind, but I brought your daughter a gift to help ease the sting of matrimony. - More books? Her head's already full of them. - Bruni's translation of Aristotle's ethics. - (GASPS) Bernardo, you spoil me. - Yes, he certainly does. Bernardo, may I introduce you to Leonardo da Vinci, a talented young artist. - Very pleased to meet you, sir. - Pleased to meet you. Capturing Ginevra's beauty will be no easy task. - Indeed. - Shall we? - Father Bandelli, this is Leonardo. The abbot is an old friend. - Father Bandelli. - The monks of San Donato Scopeto wish to commission a painting on the adoration of the Magi. - It is a worthy subject. - Indeed. Your father assures me that the charges against you were baseless, and he says you possess great talent. - I would be honoured to complete this work. - I assume you know Rogier van der Weyden's painting on the subject. - There are many fine paintings on the subject. - That one is my favourite. You are to follow its composition exactly. - (GRUNTS SOFTLY) Of course. As you wish. Thank you for your support, Father. - A commission from Amerigo de Benci is one thing, but your career will go nowhere without the church. - I know. - I've arranged for you to use the stable next door. - You have? - I'll advance the cost of materials and wages for any assistance you may require. - (SIGHS RELIEVEDLY) Thank you, Father. - You asked for a chance, Leonardo, and I'm giving it to you. FIRMLY: Don't disappoint me. - I won't. (SUBDUED MUSIC) What are you thinking about? - About... how happy I am when we're together. - Hmm. - (CHUCKLES LIGHTLY) (GENTLE MUSIC) - How did you get that scar? - You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. No, it's... It's fine. I was... I was 17. (PENSIVE MUSIC) I was walking, and a carriage came racing out of nowhere. And I got trampled. - (BREATHES DEEPLY) - My body was broken. I nearly bled to death. The physicians it was a miracle I survived. But then I could never bear children. - I'm so sorry. - I felt like nothing. So I came here looking for a better life. (CHUCKLES LIGHTLY) If I knew then that I would always be alone... - You said no one is ever meant to be alone. - (SIGHS) No, you're right. No one is. Now I'm not. (GENTLE MUSIC) - Where's my face? - I'm starting with the landscape. - I thought you said you were going to paint the truth. - The truth of who you are, yes. But to possess beauty, a painting must also have mystery... (HORSE NEIGHS DISTANTLY) ...and meaning. - I fail to see the mystery and meaning of a tree. - (CHUCKLES) It's not just any tree. It's a juniper ` a ginepro. - Like Ginevra. It's a pun, a play on my name. - And... A traditional symbol of virtue. - Are you saying you think I have virtue? - Yes, I believe you do ` in abundance. - You are a clever man, Leonardo da Vinci. Apply all the mystery and meaning you wish, but you will not succeed in painting the truth. (SUBDUED MUSIC) - And why's that? - Because my father is paying for this, and he does not wish to see the truth of who I am. - You're not going to show that to him, are you? - Why not? What's wrong with it? - It's crude. The proportions are all wrong. Maestro expects better from a first apprentice. - Where are you two headed? - Haven't you heard? Leonardo got a commission. - What commission? - The Adoration of the Magi. He wants us to come in the evenings to help him. - Ah, gentlemen, welcome to my magnificent studio. (CHUCKLES) The abbot wants us to follow the van der Weyden composition. These are some perspective studies, and these... are the sketches. We have the Virgin in the centre with the infant Jesus in her arms. Then we have the kneeling Magi in adoration, like... like this, you see? - What about Joseph? - Don't worry about Joseph. I mean to model him on someone I know. - Sounds brilliant. - Are you sure that they want something so complicated? - Just start on these figures, and I'll bring you the sketches when they're ready. - I would like to make a toast to my beloved daughter and my son-in-law-to-be Luigi Niccolini. - ALL: Luigi Niccolini! - And to my new father, Amerigo de Benci. - ALL: Amerigo de Benci. (EXPECTANT MUSIC) (INDISTINCT CHATTER) (LIQUID SLOSHES) - Wait. Where are these supposed to go? - At the top. (CHICKEN CLUCKS) - (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) - (CHUCKLES) (GRACEFUL MUSIC) (EXPECTANT MUSIC) - What about Joseph? - I'm working on it. (OWL HOOTS) (SUBDUED MUSIC) - Guglielmo! Come, my son. Ah! Goodnight. (SOMBRE MUSIC) - Leonardo. - Father. Thank you. - The abbot will return in four days to inspect your progress. I trust you'll be ready. - Of course. (CHICKENS CLUCK, PIGEONS COO) (EXHALES HEAVILY) (DOOR OPENS, CLOSES) (OBJECTS CLINKS AGAINST TABLE) - Caterina, may I have a moment? - Yes, Madonna. - Thank you, Antonella. I haven't seen much of you lately. - I... (CHUCKLES) I imagined you didn't wish to see much of me, Madonna. - Being honest is no fault. - Rudeness is. - You said you can read. - Yes, a little. - Take this as a gift, then. I think you'll find Ovid enriches the mind more than gold. - Thank you. - It'll give you something to talk about with Bernardo. I think he's quite taken with you. Don't look surprised. I'm a girl to him. That's all I'll ever be. - And I'm just a servant, Madonna. He has no interest in me. - You are far too bright and charming to only be a servant, Caterina. Anyone can see that. (GENTLE MUSIC) - Thank you. - The wedding is tomorrow. I don't have time for this, Leonardo. - It won't take but a moment. - Have you finished? - See for yourself. Well? - You said I wasn't meant to be seated at an angle. - (STAMMERS) You weren't, but it creates depth. - I'm speechless. You have painted me as I am ` inside and out. (GASPS) How? - We both have fathers who look past us. When I look into your eyes, (SIGHS) I can see the pain of my own. Then you are pleased. - It's not just beautiful. It's... It's true, just as you said it would be. The leaves in my hands. - Mm, the laurel and the palm ` drawn from Bernardo's family crest, because he gives you joy. (GENTLE MUSIC) - I am so proud to have sat for you. - It's not finished, not even close. There's no Joseph, as of yet, so you can't appreciate the novelty of the composition and the brightness of the colours. What do you think? - I think this painting is a mess. (HORSE WHINNIES) - You've lost the commission. - I'll pay you for the materials, Father, once Signor de Benci pays me ` every florin. - And the money to enrol you in Verrocchio's workshop, the room and board you've been given your entire life? - I didn't ask to be born. - No one asked for you to be born, Leonardo. You are a mistake, the unhappy consequence of an evening spent drinking too much wine. - It was your duty to raise me. You owed me that much. - I owed you nothing. - You gave me nothing! You made me feel like nothing! - Because I always knew that's all you'd ever amounted to. - No. No one is meant to be alone. - You are. The old woman was right. You are cursed. (SOMBRE MUSIC) (DOOR OPENS, CLOSES) (UNSETTLING MUSIC BUILDS) (MUSIC SOFTENS) (INDISTINCT CHATTER, LAUGHTER) - Leonardo, I need to see you a moment ` in private. - Of course. - You should have told me what you were doing. - What have you done? - There are already rumours that Bernardo has slept with my daughter. To have my daughter holding his seal on the day of her wedding... - Your daughter is chaste and virtuous. That was merely a symbol of the man she admires. - As opposed to her own father, is that what you're saying? That's why you painted her looking so miserable. I want you to leave here at once. You'll be paid nothing for this. (GRIM MUSIC) (CHILDREN YELL) (BOARD CLATTERS) - Hello. - What are you doing? - I have... wonderful news. Bernardo, I'm to be his mistress. - His mistress? - Yes. He says he'll provide for my family, and I'll travel with him. - You're leaving? - I'm... (SIGHS) - No. - (CHUCKLES) - You said I'd never be alone. - You won't be. I'll... We'll still see each other. - How? - I'll be back in Florence sometimes. I told you I can't have children. This is an opportunity I can't miss. - I'm happy for you. I really am. - Thank you. Thanks. - Oh. - How was the portrait and the painting for the abbot? - Yes. Both were a success. - Great. - Yes. In fact, I'm going to open my own studio. - Your own studio? - Not here, not in Florence. But... (SIGHS) there are too many artists here already, and I can't possibly (CHUCKLES) compete against Verrocchio. - Then where? - In Milan. I've just had an offer from Ludovic Sforza. Yes. - (GASPS) (BOTH CHUCKLE) Look at us, Leonardo. You never know what turns fortune will take, do you? I'm so happy for you. You will be in Milan. I'll be in Venice. VOICE FADES: It can't be more than three or four days apart by carriage. - Is that you? - It's supposed to be. (CHUCKLES) - And the figure beside him? - I didn't think I could paint him, but I did. My father... is Joseph. - It's brilliant. - (SCOFFS) No, it isn't. It's a chaotic mess. I overreached, attempted to cram too many ideas into a single work. I'm still deciding whether to finish it. SIGHS: Oh. - Leonardo. When you were with Saltarelli,... I betrayed you to the Podesta. - I know. - You know? - You wanted my place. The timings of the arrest suggested no one else. - And... And you're not angry? - Not any more. In some ways, you did me a favour. - Marco and Julio told me you're going to Milan. - Mm-hm. - Take me with you. - Whatever for? - You'll need someone to help you. - I couldn't pay you. - I could learn from you. Your talent will be payment enough. (CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC) - What did you learn from Leonardo? - More than I wished. - About art? - About ruthlessness. (HORSE WHINNIES) For all Leonardo's gifts, I think it's true ` he is cursed. (BELL TOLLS) (GRIM MUSIC) (LOCK CLICKS, DOOR CREAKS OPEN) - Did you confess? (DOOR CREAKS SHUT) - To my sins, not to murder. - You asked me about the colour of the sky. I can tell you now. The sky is not blue. It's every colour of the rainbow. Invisible at first, but as the sun moves from east to west, so does the spectrum of colours, which is why it's red when the sun sets. - Very good. You've seen beyond the obvious. - I saw Tommaso Masini today. He told me he believes you're capable of murder. - Well, Tomaso has a reason to hate me. - He didn't seem to hate you. He seemed to pity you. - Pity? Why? - He told me the story about you as a child ` about the curse. - (CRIES) - Superstitious nonsense. - You hide inside that great brain of yours, Leonardo, like it's some impenetrable shell protecting you from us mortals, but you're only human, filled with the same fears and weaknesses as the rest of us. (INDISTINCT WHISPERING, BIRD CAWS) - You said you were concerned with the facts. - What did the old woman tell your mother? - Nothing. - What is this curse that's hung over you your entire life? (INDISTINCT WHISPERING, BABY CRIES) - It's ridiculous. - Then what does it matter? - It doesn't matter. - Just tell me what she said. - She said I will destroy what I love. (TENSE MUSIC) That's what she said. Captions by Michaela Cornelius Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2022 (CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC)