Wiertz Museum museum in Brussels containing the macabre works of the Flemish painter Antoine Wiertz (1806–1865).
Van Beers Jan Van Beers (1852–1927), Flemish painter frequently compared to Wiertz.
desultory passing from one thing to another in an aimless way; disconnected; not methodical.
Pagan Moralist Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121–180 A.D.), Roman emperor and stoic philosopher.
Nazarene Jesus, from John 14:27.
“a good thing could come out of Nazareth” John 1:46.
“the world, the flesh, nor the devil” traditional temptations to sin mentioned in The Book of Common Prayer.
parlous perilous; dangerous; risky.
reconnoitre to make a reconnaissance; alternate spelling of reconnoiter.
“prophet on the top of Peor” Balaam, who refused to curse the Israelites, Numbers 23–24.
supernumerary that exceeds or is beyond the regular or prescribed number; extra.
éclat brilliant or conspicuous success; dazzling display.
fancy–man .a man supported by a woman; esp., a pimp; here, a sweetheart (slang).
exaction an excessive demand; extortion; an exacted fee, tax.
