Across the table, Leonardo’s guest finished examining his collection of drawings and diagrams. She was a feast to his artistic eye. Her features were classic and regal, with a long neck and a face composed of planes and angles, sharp cheekbones and delicately pointed chin. Her hair was unbound and flowed like an auburn waterfall nearly to her waist, and her lips were a delicate shade of cinnamon, while the same spicy scent lingered in the air around her. The entire picture nearly demanded a portrait or a statue to capture her sublime beauty, all the more amazing because Leonardo knew it was only an illusion.