The Birth of Venus - Sarah Dunant

This beautifully written novel tells the story of fifteen-year-old Alessandra Cecchi, an endearing but precocious girl. When her wealthy father brings a young, quiet artist into their home, commissioning him to paint their family chapel, Alessandra is immediately captured by the talent of the artist and envies his abilities to paint the glory of God. Gradually, through her growing friendship with the young man, she explores her own artistic talents and begins to question many of society's traditions and taboos. Set against the increasingly intense political and religious background of the Medicis and Savonarola, Alessandra is a character of refreshing ...  Read the complete review

The Renaissance must surely be one of the most important periods in art history. Just think of the major works such as Michaelangelo's David, DaVinci's Last Supper and Botticelli's Birth of Venus. I would love to go and see some of the major art galleries of the world to see these works with the Uffizi in Florence at the top of my list. Luckily I have recently had a taste of Renaissance Florence due to reading a wonderful novel called “The Birth of Venus” by Sarah Dunant. “Birth of Venus” is set in late fifteenth and early sixteenth Florence. The plot revolves around the main character Alessandra Cecchi the younger teenage daughter of a nouveau ...  Read the complete review