Some years back, the BBC produced a series hosted by Simon Schama entitled "The Power of Art." One of the things that drew Mrs. Militaris and I to the program was Simon's professorial affectations. Indeed, proof positive that one can become a snooty professor by jerking one's head, speaking with an English accent and making Wildean comments, such as: "We like to think, don't we, that the genius is the hero--that the good guy wins. But this is Caravaggio, and the genius is the villain." Makes for a jolly fun evening. If you have not had the opportunity to sample the pleasure that is Schama check this link out for a taste.

An even better appreciation is here:

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