I like my paintings dusty. In the late afternoon, when the sun is low, the dust is quite visible on all the paintings that are exposed to the sun. Besides, all the finger marks are very visible, too. The paintings are thus telling a good deal about all the hands that have touched them, turned them around, or shifted them about for a few years. And so I relish the dust that is yet to smother my paintings, at least as long as they are in my own custody. If my wishes are of any value in this regard, I hereby declare that I want my paintings dusty as long as they last. That is, as long as they, too, do not crumble into dust. The blessing of merciful gods.