Page 19 - man from mi5 the sequal
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10 am precisely the door to Jenkins classroom opened, the headmaster and three other men entered the classroom. Jenkins recognised Levitsky
immediately with his shoulder length blonde wiry hair, and his eccentric way of dressing. Jenkins thought to himself the two other men in their
Russian military uniforms were obviously Levitsky’s bodyguards for the tour.
The head master introduced Levitsky to Jenkins and left the room . Levitsky’s bodyguards took up their positions in the corners of the room
facing the class. “Mr. Levitsky this is a great honour for the school and for me personally to welcome you to our art class.” “Thank you” said
Levitsky before turning to address the class. “Who amongst you is familiar with my work?” The whole class raised their hands and Abramovich
asked “Please sir, could you tell us about the Pantomime Horses?” Yes! Yes! Please sir! Cried the rest of the class. Levitsky assured the class
the lecture he had prepared for today was surrounding the work Pantomime Horses, and of course they would have plenty of time for questions
after the lecture.
The lecture had been underway for about a half an hour, Jenkins had never seen his class so attentive and enjoying their studies. Jenkins eye fell
on the empty chair where Reeves sits and was surprised to experience a sadness for Reeves whilst wondering what could have stopped Reeves
from attending today? Levitsky had a very casual style of lecturing, often he would lean back against the blackboard or sit on a stool but always
with his hands in his pockets.
11.30. The lecture was over and Levitsky makes himself available for questions. Asquith raised his hand and asked “Please sir, can you explain
why you leave lines unfinished in your sketches, it is as if your lines only take you so far and you want the viewer to imagine their own version
of what it is you are drawing?”
Levitsky sprang of his stool “That is an excellent question”. His hands out of his pockets now Levitsky approached the blackboard and began to
draw a perfect rendition of the Pantomime Horses with just a few lines. “is this what you mean ?”
“Yes sir.”
“It is common place in art to do this with objects that everybody knows and can instantly recognise; it allows the artist to create an artistic
impression rather than an exact copy of an object. A copy is not art, there is no innovation or self expression. Does that answer your
question?” “Yes sir, thank you.” Levitsky put the chalk down on the ledge at the bottom of the blackboard and returned to his stool.