The Duchess of Alba (Goya)

“Solo Goya” is the inscription at her feet and to which she points. It was Goya’s misfortune to be an unattractive stumpy sort of a guy. He was a genius but that would not make up for his peasant looks to such a high-born lady as the Duchess. He pined for her and lived out his fantasy in her portrait. She may have been too haughty to say that he should erase his sentiment, or perhaps he put it there later.

Cardamom brought from half way around the world on the superb Spanish trading ships, black pepper once so desired and dear of price, and ginger with the fierce hot crackle. You can imagine the passion of the Duchess in the face which Goya loved. A touch of grape, a pinch of saffron, and turmeric.

Spicy, foody, musky.