Michele goes back to the tavern Ranuccio and Fillide frequent. He challenges Ranuccio.

Giorgio is on his way home, but changes his mind and goes to Piazza del Gesù.

We learn of the death of Francesco Cenci from a conversation between the Cardinal and one of his guests. Michele arrives too, at a reception, where his latest painting is on display. He makes an impression as someone who speaks his mind.

Even though Giuseppe's health is failing, he goes to see the needy in the poorest sections of Naples. Even when he gets home for dinner, the patients keep coming. He doesn't turn them away.

Young Michele thus enters into the service of Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte, man of culture and art connoisseur. All he has to do is what he does best: paint.

Giuseppe's health is failing, but he won't accept Arcangelo and Nina's advice to get some rest. He seems to be well aware of his true condition and writes a letter to his loved ones. Elena brings Antonio home.

Word seems to be getting around that Merisi is a very talented painter. In bed with malaria, Michele himself is the last one to hear about it.

Giuseppe goes to see Giorgio to see if he has the power to save the hospital from the new "reforms," but Giorgio has other priorities and rebuffs him.

Michele and Mario are having a hard time. But Michele can't bring himself to paint things he doesn't believe in, even at the risk of going hungry.

Prosperino tries to sell Michele's painting of the "boy bitten by a lizard," and attempts to be professional. The three friends get their hopes up, but soon have to face reality. Michele and Mario quickly lose their patience and become belligerent.

Pasquale is a bit heavy-handed in his attempt to manage the collecting of money from the more well-to-do patients and Giuseppe has to step in. He and Nina sell off many of their possessions and Nina has a hard time of it. At the end of a long day, Giuseppe gets a surprise visit

Caravaggio manages to sell one of his paintings and decides to leave d'Arpino's workshop. His friend finds him a room, and he starts working on a painting, now known as"Boy bitten by a lizard".

Elena seems charmed by the orphans and Giuseppe explains to her that love has many pathways. At home, it becomes clear that Nina and Giuseppe have grave financial difficulties. He won't give up seeing patients, but comes up with an idea.

Michele gives one of his works to the girl in the carriage. She is Beatrice Cenci and is chained to her seat. Later, Michele is seriously wounded while loading a piece of art onto a horse-drawn cart.

Elena explains her health problem to Giuseppe and they also clarify some personal things. Giuseppe then takes her to a special place in the city.