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The 12th Duchess of Alba declared her wealth of love with art
Goya’s "Black Duchess" points evermore to Solo Goya
she visited his studio famously
asking him to paint her face literally
he voiced the pleasure of a masterpiece
painting her makeup on.
The 18th Duchess of Alba, Cayetana
named in 1926 María . . . Stuart y Silva
Spain’s wealthiest woman and the world's most-titled aristocrat
throughout youth also a beauty
was famously disfigured by cosmetic procedures.
Her wedding at Seville Cathedral
perhaps the most expensive in the world
deepened 25 years with six kids and love
her second husband was her defrocked confessor
and now at age 85 to celebrate her third wedding
she kicked off her shoes to perform
for her spectators
a short Flamenco.
As had the 12th Duchess of Alba
likewise Cayetana
two-hundred years later
honors love with art.

