Second Mrs. Giaconda by E. L. Konigsburg, E.L. Konigsburg
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(Paperback - Reprint)
- Age Range: 12 and up
- Pub. Date: April 1998
- 160pp
- Sales Rank: 85,931
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Product Details
- ISBN-13: 9780689821219
- ISBN: 0689821212
- Edition Description: Reprint
Synopsis
Could the complex ways these three lives intertwine hold the key to a historical riddle as enigmatic as the Mona Lisa's smile -- why Leonardo da Vinci devoted three years to a painting of the second wife of an unimportant merchant when all the nobles of Europe were begging for a portrait by his hand?
Only a master storyteller like two-time Newberry Medal-winner E.L. Konigsburg could create such an intriguing answer to the puzzle behind the most famous painting of all time.
Annotation
Relates, from the point of view of his servant Salai, how Leonardo da Vinci came to paint the Mona Lisa.
Children's Literature
Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" has always been surrounded by mystery, from her enigmatic smile to her identity. Art historians have now determined that she was the second wife of a merchant named Giaconda. Konigsburg's historical fiction presents a thought-provoking premise of why da Vinci chose to paint her portrait when he was in such demand by the nobility. It appears that da Vinci's servant, Salai, had a great deal of influence over his master. The young, fun loving, plain-faced Duchess Beatrice entranced Salai. He told her, "You ought to let Leonardo paint you. He is the guy who believes that you paint a face to show what is inside the head." However, it is not her face, but rather that of an unknown, that becomes the masterpiece. Konigsburg provides lively dialogue and vivid descriptions of the people and settings of the Italian Renaissance as her tale of Beatrice, Salai and da Vinci unfolds. Readers will gain insight into the artist's personality while discovering that answers to questions are not as simple as the smile on one's face. Black and white photo reprints of some of da Vinci's works are included. 1998 (orig.
More Reviews and RecommendationsCustomer Reviews
Second Mrs. Giacondaby Anonymous
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June 17, 2004: This book kept me into the book the whole time I was reading it. It is very suspenceful. I really liked the way this Author writes. E.L. Konigsburg is one of my favorite authors! I would also encourage you to look at some of the other books Konigsburg wrote. They are awesome!
Second Mrs. Giacondaby Anonymous
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February 23, 2003: I just started reading, The Second Mrs. Giaconda. It is very good so far. E.L. Konigsburg is a great author. If you are looking for a book to read, and you are interested in art, you should deffintly read this book. The Second Mrs. Giaconda is about why Leonardo da Vinci devoted three years to a painting of the second wife of an unimportant merchant, when all the famous nobles of Europe were begging Leonardo da Vinci to paint pictures for them. Don't think this is just a book of facts and is very boring! This book is an actual story and it is very interesting. Once you end a chapter, you want to keep reading more. E.L. Konigsburg has a very unique style of writing that makes you want to read her books. I love all the books that she has written. Although, this one is one of my favorites. I really recomend you to read this book.
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