Immortality

After last night's two-hour thunderstorm (can I have a job as a weather-girl, please?), we are greeted this morning with raging torrents and blessed, cool air.

A crowd of people stand in adoration of St Ambrogio (Ambrosius).
Chiesa di San Gottardo, external wall, south side.

The father of an old schoolfriend of mine recently completed an illustrious career in the Church by modelling for a new stained glass window at the cathedral where he was latterly Dean. The old window lasted hundreds of years, and it's exciting to imagine his much-loved image could still be impressed on the fabric of the cathedral well into the 22nd century, as his work has doubtless left an impression on all who met him (including HM).

I sometimes wonder who the models were for the fresco above. Carmenites rich enough to pay for a spot of immortality, perhaps? The minor nobles of Cannobio? Those who paid for the frescoes? Maybe petty bureaucrats from St Ambrogio's entourage in need of a little stroking on the part of the Holy See.

I'm particularly taken by the woman at the top, nearest the angel. Could her proximity to the heavenly host be a comment on her status in the community? Or her outstanding piety? But why is she not modestly wearing a wimple? Floozie! Could her long, blonde braided hair have had some special significance for the artist...?

As ever, in the absence of fact, a multitude of possibilities come tumbling in...