Rating - 4
Set in - Holland
Another first time for this author and would definitely read other books that she has written, such as:
Banners of Silk (about Charles Worth)
Gilded Splendour (Thomas Chippendale)
Jewelled Path (Faberge)
Tree of Gold (Silk Industry)
The story set in the 17th century, is of Francesca Visser, eldest daughter of a struggling artist (who I might add loves playing cards and frequenting the taverns), and her dream is to become a Master Painter.
Francesca is apprenticed to Jan Vermeer, and goes to Delft, but her apprenticeship etc. is going to be controlled by Ludolf Van Deventer, who wants to have Francesca as his mistress, or better still his next wife (he has murdered his 2 previous wives).
But Pieter Van Dorne (the tulip grower) captures the heart of Francesca - throw into this, conspiracy on the part of Ludolf as he is involved in spying for France.
A rich historical romance story - lovely details of the artists Rembrandt and Vermeer and the painting techniques used.
Very interesting to learn of the symbolism used in painting - eg.
Love between a man and woman symbolised in a picture by a rose held, or pleasingly arranged - whereas a fallen one on the ground depicts either the pain of love or unchaste love, according to the subject of the painting.
Rosebuds in still life could be interpreted as the dawning of romantic love.
Nautilus represents wealth, exotic shells of all kind being costly
The fan was a symbol of extravagance
The hourglass warned of the passing of time and the foolishness of piling up riches on earth.
Pewter plate, poised precariously, told how easily life could be cut off.
The grapes and the wine symbolised Holy Communion and Christ, with the hope of resurrection.
Francesca's 2 sisters have their own stories as well, which do not detract from the story, as can sometimes be the case with sub-plots within a book.
Would recommend this story to anyone who is a lover of historical fiction/romance.
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