Question

What does the word “pentimento” mean, and what is its specific implication in this context?

"Now General Eisenhower and I were alone in his studio. What on earth to say—with those five stars in pentimento on his shoulders, me a nineteen-year-old college student. The problem was more his than mine, but for him it was not a problem. He began to talk about the red-checked tablecloth and bowl of fruit. He said that when he was growing up in Abilene, Kansas, his world was symbolized by tablecloths just like this one, and that was why this current project meant so much to him. The still-life was well along—the apples, plums, and pears deftly drawn and highlighted. Pretty much tongue-tied until now, at last I had something to ask. Despite the painting’s advanced stage, it did not include the grapes."

I know that pentimento is when an artist changes his/her mind and draws over what they originally drew, but I am not sure its specific implication to the text.

Answer 1

I would suggest that the five stars being likened to a pentimento is to suggest that each star represents a re-drawing of the general's career, his advancement through the ranks, new responsibilities, etc. And maybe the 19-year-old thinks the general's still-life needs to be redrawn, too, to include the grapes? Your guess is as good as mine.

Answer 2

your answer is wrong, pentimento means that you hav a pen, and you tie it to the mento meaning that you don't need grapes you need pens. haaaaaaan i hope you get a good grade with my answer if you do you owe me a soda

Answer 3

Don't listen to this buffoons comment ^