As a colossal statue
takes shape in Renaissance Florence, the lives of a master sculptor and a
struggling painter become stunningly intertwined.
Florence,
1500. Fresco painter Jacopo Torni longs to make his mark in the world.
But while his peers enjoy prestigious commissions, his meager painting
jobs are all earmarked to pay down gambling debts.
When Jacopo
hears of a competition to create Florence's greatest sculpture, he pins
all his hopes on a collaboration with his boyhood companion,
Michelangelo Buonarroti. But will the frustrated artist ever emerge from
the shadow of his singularly gifted friend?
Paperback, 349 pages
Published
May 12th 2020
by The Scriptorium
4/5 stars
Italy is one of my favorite holiday destinations. I’ve been there 3 times (2 were a day or so before a cruise so no time for a good look) and have never been able to spend anytime in Florence. But one day I will make it there, so this past week I was an armchair tourist around the years 1501-1504.
The Giant was released May 12th of 2020. It’s the story of how Michelangelo’s David came to be. The story is told from the point of view of Jacopo Torni, a friend of the famous sculptor. Not being overly familiar with this time period in Italy (other than the Borgia’s) I loved that what took place came from the history books.
While The Giant is how the statue came to be it’s more a story of friendship and self discovery. Torni was a painter, he was flawed and rather self centered. His relationship with Michelangelo was not what I expected, it also was flawed filled with jealousy and self doubt.
The Giant is a well written book steeped in history giving this reader a vivid picture of not just the art world but what life was like in Florence during that time-period. I got to know the characters and come to feel for them making be google and read more on their lives. Though a sequel would be really nice (hint, hint).
My thanks to the author so a print copy in exchange for an honest review.
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