Michele returns to the palace but the Cardinal is not happy. Beatrice is on trial at the papal court and is trying to defend herself.

Michele is distraught about Beatrice Cenci but at this point, there is nothing he can do. He confides in Costanza Colonna, who warns him to keep his ideas to himself.

The Inquisition had a repressive function and its task was to defend the integrity of the faith. One of its many victims was Giordano Bruno, an Italian philosopher, writer, and Dominican friar who lived in the 16th century. For his theories, judged heretical by the tribunal of the Inquisition of the Papal State, Bruno was condemned and burned at the stake in Rome on February 17, 1600.

Michele has been working on a painting with Fillide as one of the models, but she is getting tired of the long hours. He tells her the story of the painting.

The Cardinal gives Michele a stern talking-to, but then gives him some surprising news.

Finally, Caravaggio's paintings are finished and on display in public, amazing all those who see them. Michele is on his best behavior.

Some colleagues of Caravaggio's try to belittle his work and tell him how he should have finished the painting. Outside, young artists want to study with him but he says he has nothing to teach them.

Michele hears that one of his paintings is in the home of the notary, who is not a friend. He wants to understand how that could have happened.

Those of the old guard are saying negative things about Michele and so his friend, Cardinal Del Monte is advising him to frequent wealthy art connoisseurs instead. He meets up with Costanza and they talk about love.

A new ordinance from the counter-reformists decrees that publically displayed works of art must be approved by Cardinal Borghese. Michele is very upset, to say the least.

Filide has some news for Michele that he is not going to like. After he receives the bad news, Michele goes out and gets into trouble, as he is wont to do.

Michele and his friends get involved in some street fighting. One of the Tomassonis gets wounded and Michele and company flee the scene.

Michele's arrest has put Cardinal Del Monte in an awkward position, especially since the cardinal isn't as powerful as he had been. Michele realizes it might be time for a change and wants to get to work on some newly commissioned paintings.

Michele isn't satisfied with how he has painted his new model. But finally, he seems to have found someone who appreciates him for who he is.

Michele is working on a new painting for the Church, hoping it will allow him to return to the good graces of his protectors. He still has the propensity to use common people as models and this might get him into trouble again.