An exciting, dual-timeline historical novel about the creation of one of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous paintings, Portrait of a Lady with an Ermine, and the woman who fought to save it from Nazi destruction during World War II.
Milan, 1492: When a 16-year old beauty becomes the mistress of the Duke of Milan, she must fight for her place in the palace—and against those who want her out. Soon, she finds herself sitting before Leonardo da Vinci, who wants to ensure his own place in the ducal palace by painting his most ambitious portrait to date.
Munich, World War II: After a modest conservator unwittingly places a priceless Italian Renaissance portrait into the hands of a high-ranking Nazi leader, she risks her life to recover it, working with an American soldier, part of the famed Monuments Men team, to get it back.
Two women, separated by 500 years, are swept up in the tide of history as one painting stands at the center of their quests for their own destinies.
I’m a huge fan of dual-timeline historical fiction books…Especially those set during WWII, and this book did not disappoint. It is richly textured and driven by a thrillerish fever.
The characters were fully developed and compelling as the story was told from different points of view and time periods. The story itself revolves around the painting by Leonardo da Vinci known as The Lady with the Ermine, and is mainly centered around the character of Edith, and art conservator. Edith mistakenly brings the da Vinci portrait to a high-ranking Nazi, and now she and the Monuments Men must risk their own lives to save this priceless work of art. As the complex plot progresses and jumps through time periods, the storyline flowed seamlessly.
The Night Portrait is not only a masterpiece of art, but it is a story masterfully told. I love how I was transported through time and countries. Morelli’s attention to detail and an unmatched ability to paint words on the page bring each European location and artwork to life in a way that’s stunningly cinematic. The story transported me to Milan, Florence, Poland and Germany. I felt like I too was traveling through time and locations through these gorgeous parts of Europe just through Morelli’s detailed imagery. This is a treat since our current pandemic situation has forced me to forgo a lot of traveling, and for many it will offer an escape from isolation.
If you are a fan of the movie Monuments Men, then you will find yourself fully engrossed in this exciting story that spans centuries.
