Where does one find lines in nature? I only see illuminated or unilluminated masses, flat surfaces that advance or recede, surfaces raised in relief, and dark holes.
— FRANCISCO DE GOYA Y LUCIENTES, 1797
Ruskin saw in Mr. Ellis's possession a fine copy of Capriccios de Goya, and commented on its hideousness, adding that ‘it was only fit to be burnt.’ Mr. Ellis agreed with him; and putting the volume into the empty grate (for it was in August), he and Ruskin set light to it, and the book was burned to ashes.
— STRAY LETTERS FROM JOHN RUSKIN TO A LONDON BIBLIOPOLE, 1892
EPILOGUE
— You claim to be his only child.
— Yes, milord.
— We are told there are others.
— If there are I am unaware of them.
— Does he know that you are here?
— No, milord.
— He thinks he has protection. He is mistaken.
— He is often mistaken.
— Such is the plight of those who solicit guidance from an infernal source.
— Milord, I am not here to defend him. I am here to inform you of our actions.
— Inform us then. Are the works destroyed?
— All that we saw as improper and on the list.
— And you were witness to their destruction?
— Yes, milord.
— What of the picture of the Apparition described in your letter?
— Yes, milord. It has been burned. As has its sketches and studies. As promised.
— Why is he not here to make such promises himself?
— He is suffering, milord.
— His deafness?
— His fever.
— He is as diseased as his pictures. Does he know why he was summoned here?
— He does, milord. I will speak to this if I am given the chance.
— He is meant to answer charges of sacrilege and apostasy.
— He deems those charges groundless, milord, brought forward by envious men who seek to destroy his capacity to pursue his vocation.
— He is the author of prohibited books. He foments superstition. He celebrates witchcraft.
— He would argue that his works have legitimate and moral purpose.
— He is mistaken. They spread evil. They denigrate the Holy Church and corrupt the innocent.
— He has been led astray by others, this is irrefutable. But his heart is uncorrupted. He has long proven his love of the Holy Church and the Royal family. He is a good provider, a good husband, father, and brother, and a loyal citizen of Spain.
— His heart is impure. His eye, his mind, his brush. Everything he does, everything he creates.
— His sacred works hang in our greatest churches and cathedrals.
— They are infected and shall be removed. Every trace of your degenerate father shall be erased.
PROCESO INQUISITORIAL CONTRA FRANCISCO DE GOYA Y LUCIENTES MADRID, XXI, IV, 1824
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