Portrait of Malevolence by Richard Davies

Portrait of Malevolence.

Victorian London. Winter. 1850.

Francisco Colonessi drank as if that night was his last.

He celebrated the completion of his latest painting; A Portrait of Lord ? - He couldn't remember the name. Old Moneybags, the Art Dealer, had secured that and other commissions on his behalf. 

Francisco could care less, but at least they afforded him a supply of liquor and whores; Two were at that moment passed out on his make-shift bed in the gloomy studio.

As long as he made enough to purchase paints and brushes, he was content.

He lived in a squalid part of East London's Dockland area, on the banks of the River Thames - A far cry from the Patrons who purchased his work.

Dense fog surrounded the grimy dwellings, and their forgotten inhabitants - thieves, pimps and beggars.

It was early morning, when he finally could take no more alcohol, and joined the snoring women.

...'Please move along the viewing room so that everyone can see.

Ladies and Gentlemen, you are looking at what is considered to be one of the greatest works of art ever painted - Francisco Colonessi's Masterpiece. His self-portrait.'

A huge gathering of people of all ages, stood before him. They were dressed in strange clothing. All eyes were intently focused on him.

'Move in a little closer, Please...'

The artist awoke with a start. His head ached, but the dream burned brightly.

'Francisco Colonessi's Masterpiece - Self -Portrait.'

A superstitious man, he wondered if it was some kind of premonition, or a good omen.

Whatever it might be, it was the inspiration he looked for.

Suddenly re - energized, Colonessi threw himself into his latest project - a self-portrait.

He felt that it would be his greatest painting, ever.

The whores had long since gone, along with the remains of his money.

Francisco worked all that day until darkness filled the studio, and exhausted, fell asleep on the bare floor.

...'Ladies and Gentlemen, you are looking at what is considered to be one of the greatest works of art ever painted - Francisco Colonessi's Masterpiece. His self-portrait.'...

Old Moneybags awoke him the next morning.