67 pages • 2 hours read
Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Florence, Italy • 1500s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Oil and Marble by Stephanie Storey is a historical novel that explores the rivalry between Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti. Set in early 16th-century Florence, the book depicts these renowned artists as they create their iconic masterpieces—Leonardo's painting and Michelangelo's sculpture—and portrays a vibrant period of artistic innovation and competition.
Informative
Mysterious
Inspirational
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Oil and Marble by Stephanie Storey captivates readers with its vivid depiction of the rivalry between Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo during the Italian Renaissance. Praised for its rich historical detail and engaging narrative, some critics note it occasionally delves too deep into creative liberties. Overall, an entertaining blend of art, history, and fiction.
Who Should Read Oil and Marble?
Fans of art history fiction like Tracy Chevalier's Girl with a Pearl Earring and Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch will enjoy Oil and Marble. Ideal for readers interested in Renaissance art, compelling historical narratives, and the rivalry between Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Michelangelo Buonarroti
Michelangelo Buonarroti
A passionate and dedicated young sculptor known for his devotion to marble, striving to establish his reputation and prove his artistic worth through projects like the David statue.
Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa
The intriguing subject of Leonardo's painting, valued for her empathetic nature and her ability to see beyond Leonardo's public facade, while balancing her roles as a wife and mother.
Niccolò Machiavelli
Niccolò Machiavelli
A cunning diplomat and political thinker who views art pragmatically, using it to further his political interests rather than appreciating its aesthetic or expressive value.
320
Novel • Fiction
Florence, Italy • 1500s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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