Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo
Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo, by Stephanie Storey
Did you know:
- There was an epic rivalry between Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti?
- They both lived and worked in Florence, Italy from 1501 – 1505?
- They both applied for the commission to sculpt the enormous block of marble that came to be David?
- David and Mona Lisa, two of the most iconic works of art, were both created during this time period?
Leonardo was a fifty-year-old handsome man, haunted by a beautiful woman he saw in the market, a merchant’s wife named Lisa. Michelangelo was in his mid-twenties, was temperamental and in the same vein, was rather unkempt. Leonardo despised Michaelangelo for his youth and lack of sophistication. Michelangelo both loathed Leonardo for his genius and worshiped him for this same attribute. Michaelangelo is desperate to make a name for himself and prove to his family that they are wrong his choice of career.
The author, Stephanie Storey is a master storyteller. In this debut novel, she bases this book on the history and true events and uses what she refers to as an artistic license to weave these events into a beautiful story. By the end, we have a greater understanding and empathy for the minds and souls of these two brilliant Renaissance artists. In conclusion, this is a wonderful book that I highly recommend.
My rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
If you enjoyed Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo you may also like Beneath a Scarlet Sky, by Mark Sullivan.
Something about the author:
https://oilandmarble.com/2016/05/16/top-10-questions-about-oil-and-marble/
Book website:
Book review:
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/28/books/review/artists-in-fiction.html