a nobleman and his wife, an apothecary nun, a atronomer-mathematician, an inquisitor, a poet who is both lover and villain, a portraitist, a queen and loyal servants deftly act out a beautiful drama of tantalizing relationships. They take up their roles in castle and convent, some surrounded with precious jewels; while others abide in simple space devoird of art or representation, and dressed in plain linens and dull calicos.