The Court of Miracles
August 29th, 2026— Sagrada Família Park, Barcelona.
‘Go! Go on, they mustn’t see you with me, go!’
The Turk is sitting on the railing, finishing off a cigarette whilst gently nudging me with his foot. There’s no one in the park – I mean, none of those street vendors who spread their goods out on white sheets and remain on the lookout, ready to yank the rope if necessary and run off. I did recognise a few faces when I arrived, but everyone’s looking the other way, hands in the pockets, goods hidden in the bushes. They’re scattering, blending into the crowd and waiting for the police to leave. Even the gypsy woman has got up. I’ll have to adapt.
The Cour des Miracles (Court of Miracles) was this neighbourhood in Paris during the 15th and 16th centuries where the beggar, the prostitute, the starving and the thief lived. By day, they would head out into the suburbs, crippled and blind, arousing pity for a penny and begging in the name of Christian charity. Then in the evening, they would return to their neighbourhoods and miraculously regain their sight or the use of their limbs. Hence the name of Court of ‘Miracles’. I didn’t think it still existed.
The ‘King of Thunes’ would be that Turkish chap who’s taken me under his wing ever since I arrived. I don’t sell the same things; I set up my easel and paint. But it’s true that the first few times, I was worried that one of those vendors might have a go at me to mark his territory. Nothing of the sort happened. I’ve discovered a surprising sense of solidarity amongst them. And as the weeks have gone by, lots of them have come over to have a look at my little painting case, which I’ve turned into a miniature art shop.
Like the Marquise des anges¹, it would seem I’m one of them now. I don’t mind. I’ve come to terms with it. It’s the artist’s life I’ve chosen. They may seem a bit gruff from the outside and slightly dishonest, but I still prefer their company to that of those in suits, who try to make us believe they aren’t thieves. —
Four Beggars at the Pont au Change, by Jean Henry Marlet —
¹ : Angélique, marquise des anges, a french series of historical novels written by Anne and Serge Golon (1956). Adapted for the screen in the 1960s.
