Dead Merchant

Marcello Soli is a man admired by other men. Marcello is charismatic and a natural leader of men. Tall, dark and handsome he has been through the battles and wars of the late 16th Century. Wounded and injured the older Marcello becomes a merchant in silks, spices and fine wines before settling in the City of Valletta or Città Umilissima. There he makes a home, the Palazzo Soli, for himself and the man he loves although Marcello’s home quickly gains a reputation for licentiousness and vice. Marcello dies suddenly and without making provision for the love of his life.

Marcello and his lover, Venerio, were the “Achilles and Patroclus” of their age and developed ways to hide in plain sight. They ‘buy off’ bullies and state sponsored thugs. 16th Century society is open to anonymous informants, secret denunciations and disease and the couple live their life amongst the disinterest of the native Maltese and the deceit and lies of newcomers to the Island of Malta.

We see friendship and integrity amongst friends and a wish to help and support those they love.