Scan barcode
vapourwavey's review
challenging
medium-paced
2.0
sort of shocked that this is called non-fiction. there are so many flourishes that have zero historical credulity and were just written because they sounded like a clever thing to add on. plus, there's no little to no sensitivity for serious topics. by chapter 9, the writing becomes completely ahistorical with respect to the demise of beatrice d'este. if this had been labeled historical fiction i don't think i would have minded nearly much - but every 10 pages i was eye-rolling from collinsworth's embellishments. however, toward the latter parts it became much better.
ejpaskey's review
challenging
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
3.5
A more challenging historical account for me to read. I think this is a really unique approach to viewing the life of a painting. Focused very heavily on historical context with less focus on art historical context. Offered an interesting insight into the painting's journey and small pockets of history.
lybarron's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
2.5
Focuses a lot on politics and history, tracing the ownership and circumstances around this particular painting. I have read some bad reviews but the book simply is what it is. It's good for people who want both art, history, and a small glimpse into the life of Da Vinci.
cook_memorial_public_library's review
4.0
A 2022 staff favorite recommended by Cheryle. Check our catalog: https://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Swhat%20the%20ermine%20saw__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=gold
srm's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder, War, Infidelity, Antisemitism, Classism, and Genocide
heatherbirchall's review
3.0
2.5 stars. I was pretty hopeful for this book as I love biographies of paintings, and how bad could this one be with such an attractive cover? But, there just wasn't enough content about this actual painting to make the book compelling. Instead the author pads out the book with tons of political stuff about this and that Polish count and I lost the will to live. If you want to read a truly excellent book about a Leonardo painting read "The Last Leonardo" by Ben Lewis.