work involves setting values on the usual sort of thing—things procured from places that people have studied extensively. I can give you the auction estimate or insurance replacement value. But this . . . ?” He shook his head and released a small laugh. “I don’t know,” he finished.
Esperanza leaned forward, close enough that she could have placed her hand on Bramante’s knee. And judging by the Italian’s reaction, that was precisely what he thought she would do. Instead, she gave the man one of those smiles that had failed on Sturdivant.
“My brother told me that you know more about Italian history—especially northern Italian history—than just about anyone alive,” she said, smiling. “And my brother wouldn’t lie to me.”
Espy’s vote of confidence seemed to breathe new life into the older man. He sat up straighter; then a few seconds later he nodded.
“I’m not saying I can’t help you,” he said. “It’s just that these days I don’t spend enough time in the history books for something to immediately come to mind.”
Espy remained undaunted, her warm smile assuring Bramante that he knew something of great value to them, whether he recognized it or not. And under that kind but demanding gaze, the Italian appeared ready to move heaven and earth.
“Milan Cathedral . . .” he mused. “While the cathedral itself is dated to 1386, there has been related construction on the site since the early fifth century, when the Lombards were at their most powerful.”
“From what I understand, it took almost six hundred years to finish,” Espy said.
“Right,” Bramante said. “And during that time, Milan came under a number of influences, which you can see immortalized in the cathedral. It’s a remarkable mixture of styles, although a good portion of it was constructed under a Gothic aesthetic.”
Espy considered the six hundred years during which the Milan Cathedral had come into being, attempting to process the logistics involved in completing such a monumental task. Over six centuries, she thought it improbable that succeeding architects held fast to the same vision. How many generations took their turns toiling to build the magnificent edifice, the largest church in Italy? She suspected laborers had traveled to and from Milan continuously. And with that traffic Espy hoped that a north African connection might not be difficult to find. Rather, pinpointing the right one would be the real challenge.
“Were all of the architects Italian?” Romero asked, on the same track as Esperanza.
“Not at all,” Bramante answered. “The cathedral’s Gothic beginnings were due to French influence, but at different times the project was headed by Italians, Englishmen, a German, and a Greek. And I’m certain I’m missing a few.” He chuckled, adding, “But the national influences were by no means pure. It is said that even when the French architects were laying out the plans, Chaucer was busy sketching a design for the nave, and there are some who believe that at least part of his plan was adopted.”
“Do you know of any northern Africans who were involved?”
Bramante, lips pursed, disappeared back into thought. When he emerged just moments later, he said, “To the best of my knowledge, none of the architects assigned to the project had a connection to northern Africa. I could be wrong of course, but I do not believe I am. Also . . .”
Espy nodded. “Also what . . . ?” she pressed.
“Also, the men who did the majority of the work would have come from the regions immediately surrounding Milan. There were undoubtedly some who came from longer distances, but during the period the cathedral was constructed, a number of similar projects were taking place all over Europe. One would not have had to travel far to find work at a building site. And even if laborers from northern Africa had made it this far north, these would have been people intent on trying to support their families, not building riddles into cathedrals.”
“Anything else come to mind that might help us?” Espy asked.
“Perhaps,” Bramante said. “It was my mention of Chaucer that makes me think of it. In a project of this size, one has to consider who has the potential to do something such as you’re suggesting. Because what you’ve laid out involves someone deeply involved in the construction and with the resources necessary to carry it out. Means and opportunity, as it were.”
Espy pondered that for a moment. “I think you’re onto something there. Since we’re using that language, we also need to consider motive.”
“Absolutely, Unfortunately, that’s the variable most