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comparison. This new find has turned the art establishment on it's ear!

His other works are magnificent in their own right, but this self-portrait is one of a kind, and Colonessi was assuredly touched by genius when he painted it.
See how delicately the artist captured the eyes? One feels that the portrait is almost alive and his eyes make contact, such is the brilliance of this achievement.

But how was this masterpiece overlooked for over one hundred and fifty years? And why has there never even been a mention of it's existence?
It is another piece of the puzzle that has surrounded Michael Colonessi for almost two centuries. Sir,
please tell your child not to touch that pedestal. Thank you...

There are no historic records of his last days, and we can only rely on an account given by his closest friend, an art dealer.
According to his story, he had commissioned Colonessi to paint a self-portrait.
When he arrived one morning at the artist's studio, he found the un-signed self-portrait waiting for him, but there was no sign of Michael Colonessi, and he was never seen nor heard from again.
What happened to him? He seems to have vanished from the face of the earth. Was he murdered? Did he commit suicide? And why was his body never found?

It is a mystery, to be sure, and one that will probably never be solved. Colonessi knows what took place, but he has long since gone to his maker.
What remains is this magnificent work of art for all to appreciate.

That concludes our tour for today. Thank you for your time. Please make your way to the exits. The
Gallery will be closing in fifteen minutes.' The young man said, and smiled at the departing people.

'He knows the truth, believe me, but he lies to you! He always lies and deceives! Can you not hear me? Listen to me. Look at me, I live! See? I move my eyes. How can you not see? You are but a few paces in front of me. I am the portrait! Please look! My eyes. I can move my eyes. I beg you. Someone. Let me out! Why can no one ever hear me?...No! Do not go. Do not leave me alone with him!.. God, please forgive my sins. Save me from this Hell!'

The End

(Portrait of Evil is now available as a Two Act Play for the Stage)

Learn more about this author, Richard Davies Davis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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