Summary

The boy began to dismiss Drioli’s request as a drunken idea. However, when Drioli suggested the tattoo to be a depiction of Josie, Soutine began to change his mind. He suggested a “nude study” (522), but Josie refused. Soutine suggested merely painting Drioli’s back, but Drioli assured Soutine that he could teach Soutine how to tattoo in two minutes. They drank some more wine before Drioli left to retrieve his tattooing gear.

When he returned, Drioli tattooed himself to show Soutine the technique. Drioli then allowed Soutine to practice on him. Soutine felt comfortable with the technique, Drioli called Josie over, and Soutine began working on Drioli’s back. The procedure took many hours, but everybody was impressed with the end result. As a finishing touch, Soutine tattooed his name “in red ink” (525) over Drioli’s right kidney.

In present day, Drioli...