The Night Portrait: A Novel of World War II and Da Vinci's Italy

By Laura Morelli

Book Overview

USA Today Bestseller

"This is a truly original novel that has earned its place among my favorite works of historical fiction."--Jennifer Robson, USA Today bestselling author of The Gown
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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062993577
• ISBN13: 9780062993571
• Release Date: September 2020
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.3" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Excellent story

I am really enjoying this book. It is well written. I am very eclectic in my reading. I highly recommend this book about World War 2.

Berlin during world war ll

This was a most interesting read, an amazing story bringing past years 1476 to the present in Munich Germany 1939 just as the war is starting. It is full of fascinating historical facts, starting with Leonardo da Vinci, and one of his famous paintings " Portrait of a Lady with an Ermine" Cecilia, who is the Lady in the potrait is also the mistress of The Duke of Milan, who is fighting for her rightful place in the Palace, which she believes should be hers, though others don't believe it should be. Fast forward to 1942 and a young girl, Edith, who is an Art Conservator, is ordered to Work on a Team that Hitler has put into place. All of the stolen priceless pieces of Art, and Artifacts from churches, museums, and personal belongings, from all the European Countries that the Germans have seized, He wants her, and others to go through all the works of Art and valuable artifacts, place them into categories of significance and value, which Edith is conscripted to do, so that it can all be taken back to Germany, where Hitler has plans to one day open the WORLDS biggest greatest museum that will house ALL of the GREATEST pieces of Art from around the WORLD, After he has Conquered Everyone !! Edith finds this priceless Renaissance portrait of the Lady, and is sicken by what is happening. A high ranking Nazi Officer comes to inspect how she's getting on with the project of the Art, and see's the portrait and immediately falls in love with it, and wants it for his own personel possession. At the same time a group of American Soliers are given a "Special" assignment, to look for and bring back ALL the priceless Art that is hidden and scattered throughout Germany, in Salt mines, palaces...buried Vaults. It is these soldiers that are working to find these treasures, who are called the ""Monuments Men" who Edith Meets up with and tells one piticular soldier Dominic, about the most priceless painting by Da Vinci and where it is hanging in this most sought after high ranking killing Nazi Criminal. It is a stunning novel bringing to light alot of historical facts about Leonardo da Vinci that I never kinda payed attention to other than him being a Masterful Painter. It also would be a very great read for anyone interested in Art. The story is not at all confusing as it goes between the hundreds of years, from the time Da Vinci painted the portrait, up to the war in Germany. In Fact its absolutely necessary to the story as the background leading up to and during all the events of the war. Its Characters are relatable, and warm, and personable, as you read to find out everyone's destiny in the end. It is far from a boring story, it is Brilliantly written as the Author ties everything and everyone together in this wonderful read !