Reviews
Sofonisba's extraordinary story is well situated in the turbulent politics of the time. In an enthralling tale of what might have been, Di Giuseppe succeeds admirably in capturing the elusive voices of an exceptional Renaissance woman and her family. --Patricia Fortini Brown Professor Emerita of Art and Archaeology, Princeton University, Lady in Ermine dramatizes the life of the brilliant, talented, and resilient Renaissance painter, Sofonisba Anguissola. The book portrays the challenges and societal constraints that Sofonisba overcame to become a remarkable and successful artist. Donna DiGiuseppe delivers a human story of one woman's ambition, sacrifice, romance, and loneliness in her quest for acceptance. The author graces the reader with well-drawn characters, dialogue, and a cinematic feel that give us a rich vision of the Renaissance. --Fr. James S. Galluzzo, Author, The Spirituality of Mary Magdalene, Who was Sofonisba Anguissola ? No one knows her name, but thanks to Donna DiGiuseppe's enthralling biographical novel, we can all learn the remarkable story of the Renaissance's most successful female artist. Michelangelo recognized her genius; Vasari praised her talent. Caught up in court intrigues, family squabbles, and political upheavals, "Sofi" emerges as a full-bodied woman and sensitive artist who lived by her brush at a time when women's only options were marriage or nunneries. Lady in Ermine elegantly weaves together rich historical details, finely etched characters and a compelling plot to create a vivid portrait of a talented woman who defied the conventions of her times. This romantic saga brings to life a long-overlooked page in history and is sure to delight lovers of Italy, art, and history. --Dianne Hales Author, Mona Lisa: A Life Discovered and La Bella Lingua, Debut author, Donna DiGiuseppe, has pulled the velvet draperies back to reveal an astonishing life -- the late Renaissance painter, Sofonisba Anguissola. DiGiuseppe's research details the swarthy worlds of the sublime Spanish and magnificent Medici courts while the specter of the Inquisition hovers. Delivered in a clear style, DiGiuseppe hand feeds her readers rich intrigues in an historical feast. Fans of historical fiction and creative nonfiction will embrace Lady in Ermine 's rendering of a great woman painter almost lost to the annals of art history. --Pamela Livingston Program Manager, The Book Passage
