Rubens at Musée Granet, Aix en Provence, France by Deborah Guzzi

Portrait of a Dignitary by Peter Paul Rubens, 1611.

Rubens at Musée Granet, Aix en Provence, France
"Portrait d'un dignitaire"  
 
Regardez, how Rubens shines among the petty imitators,
for elegance is illuminated from within and without,
each emotion stroked to perfection, il adore.
 
With brushes of ox-hair and red sable, he portrays the devout
as he delves into the depth of soul in shades of ebony;
for elegance is illuminated from within and without.
 
A sheen of iridescence recalls onyx; then to a softer degree
is coaxed toward the black-velvet of affluence and might
as he delves into the depth of soul in shades of ebony.
 
Limpid eyes search the gallery, “Is it love or fright?”
See the patron’s blush burnished, as it rises above the ruff;
then coaxed toward the black-velvet of affluence and might.
 
Their costume sombre betrayed by lush mouths, each pout a bluff
for candlelight and warm nights is foretold in their eyes.
See the patron’s blush burnished, as it rises above the ruff.
 
If not skilled of hand and eye, de jouer avec art, is ill advised.
Regardez, how Rubens shines among the petty imitators
seducing us with the darkness, longing and love baptized;
each emotion stroked to perfection, il adore.

Deborah Guzzi

Deborah Guzzi is a healing facilitator specializing in Shiatsu and Reiki. She writes for Massage and Aromatherapy publications. She travels the world seeking writing inspiration. She has walked the Great Wall of China and visited Nepal (during the civil war), Japan, Egypt (two weeks before “The Arab Spring”), Peru, and France (during December’s terrorist attacks). Her poetry appears in Magazines: here/there: poetry in the UK, Existere - Journal of Arts and Literature in Canada, Tincture in Australia, Cha: Asian Literary Review, Hong Kong, China, Eunoia in Singapore, Latchkey Tales in New Zealand, Vine Leaves Literary Journal in Greece, mgv2>publishing in France, RedLeaf Poetry, India and Travel by the Book, Ribbons: Tanka Society of America Journal, Sounding Review, The Aurorean, Crack the Spine Literary Magazine, Liquid Imagination, Poetry Quarterly, and others in the USA.