The Debt
Page 32
The curtain behind him parted and a collective gasp filled the room.
Farquhar waited a full minute for the reality to sink in and for the crowd to settle down. The huge, creamy statue, illuminated in soft spotlight, towered over him. Armed guards formed a semicircle around it.
‘Since its creation in 1499, Michelangelo’s magnificent Renaissance masterpiece in marble, Pietà, has inspired the highest emotions of faith and emotion through its elegant depiction of the body of Jesus Christ brought down from the cross and lying on the lap of the Virgin Mary. Pietà is the only work Michelangelo ever signed. For all but two hundred of its years the statue has been housed at St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. We’re going to be opening the bidding on the Pietà with a telephone bid.’
Christie’s telephone representatives, each holding a red phone, finished their transmittal of Farquhar’s remarks. On the lines were sheikhs from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, Chinese billionaires, Russian oligarchs, the CEOs of an American casino and a social media company, and the directors of a number of important museums.
The auctioneer paused for effect and leaned over the podium.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, we have an opening bid of one billion euros. Do I hear one billion one hundred million?’
AUTHOR’S NOTE
Sister Elisabetta Celestino is mentioned in the book as being the pope’s favorite. She had provided extraordinary services to the Vatican during the turbulent time of Celestine’s conclave, which led to her special status. Her incredible story features in one of my earlier novels, The Devil Will Come.