Description
Book SynopsisEnter a sumptuous world of art and magic in 17th-century Florence as Artemisia Gentileschi is determined to make her mark as a painter, and exact her revenge - perfect for fans of Alix E. Harrow, Elena Ferrante and Susanna Clarke. When Artemisia Gentileschi arrives in Florence seeking a haven for her art, she faces instant opposition from the powerful Accademia, self-proclaimed gatekeepers of Florence’s magical art world. As artists create their masterpieces, they add layer upon layer of magics drawn from their own life essence, giving each work the power to heal – or to curse. The all-male Accademia jealously guards its power and has no place for an ambitious young woman arriving from Rome under a cloud of scandal. Haunted by the shadow of her harrowing past and fighting for every commission, Artemisia begins winning allies among luminaries such as Galileo Galilei, the influential Cristina de’ Medici and the charming, wealthy Francesco Maria Maringhi. But not everyone in Florence wants to see Artemisia succeed, and when an incendiary preacher turns his ire from Galileo to the art world, Artemisia must choose between revenge and her dream of creating a legacy that will span the generations.
Trade Review"A Portrait in Shadow is a thrilling and sparkling reimagining of painter Artemisia Gentileschi’s years in Florence, and Nicole Jarvis deftly takes us inside the life and heart of one of art history’s great masters. Set against a rich magical world as skillfully drawn as one of Gentileschi’s own paintings, this exceptional novel is a testament to the power of art, the historical struggle and resilience of women, and what it can cost an artist to create her work. A Portrait in Shadow is absolutely a new favorite book of mine!" Alyssa Palombo, author of The Most Beautiful Woman in Florence
“A remarkable novel of healing and revenge, A Portrait in Shadow brings new depth to an artist whose story still resonates with us. The astonishing fantastical elements give Artemisia Gentileschi a conduit for her rage towards an injustice that is still all too familiar.” Helen Corcoran, author of Queen of Coin and Whispers
"A deeply feminist story of a woman fighting for who she is in a world run by men... Captivating, striking and passionate" Nadya Mercik for The British Fantasy Society
"The rich and unique setting with a dark and twisted magic will capture the attention of readers who love alternative histories and fantasy novels." - Booklist
"A good choice for fans of historical fiction authors such as Susan Vreeland and Tracy Chevalier." - Library Journal
