Description
Book SynopsisA sensitive innocent, Hendrickje Stoffels escapes the harsh realities of her garrison home-town to take up a servant's role in Rembrandt's household. She soon becomes his lover and closest confidante, and plays witness to the highs and lows of the great artist's life. But Hendrickje is fated to discover the hypocrisy and greed of society in Amsterdam's Golden Age.
In sensuous prose, Matton paints a powerful fictional portrait of this impassioned relationship through the eyes of a remarkable woman.
Trade ReviewUsing rich historical detail, Matton charts [Rembrandt's] ostracism from the Church and wealthy Amsterdam society, and reveals the tender, domestic side of the great master's life * * The Times * *
Rembrandt's Whore is written in small, pithy passages, each one a sketch depicting a mood or a moment, and is rich in historical detail . . . It is translated from the French, yet somehow the awkwardness of the language only adds to the tenderness of Stoffels' naivety and her wonder at the joys of life * * Guardian * *
Matton deserves some reflected glory for this lyrical but well-researched "memoir" . . . She convincingly recreates the girl who moved from maid to muse and mother, shocking puritanical Amsterdam and inspiring some of the tenderest depictions of solid flesh and soaring spirit in art * * Independent * *
A work of unobtrusive beauty, unforgettably true and poignant * * Le Figaro * *
Matton digs deep into Stoffels' psyche . . . her writing is as beautiful, honest and emotional as the portraits of her subject which, of course, is just the way it should be * * Big Issue * *
Matton's novel has been assiduously researched, and she memorably evokes the cruelties and hardships of everyday life 300 years ago * * Mail on Sunday * *
A precious alloy of human interest, detailed historical research and inspired sensitivity to Rembrandt's work . . . the writing is as careful and subtle as the master's paintings * * Magazine Litteraire, France * *
A fascinating, illuminating look at the pressures [Rembrandt] faced in the later stages of his life . . . a noteworthy book * * Publishers Weekly * *
Matton has created a work of incredible beauty, juxtaposing the darkness of a society riddled with Black Death with the passion shared by the painter and his muse * * Bizarre * *
