VENICE-O-METER 5
Art history essay about the mystery surrounding Vittorio Carpaccio's Due dame veneziane/Two Venetian Ladies,, which Ruskin called "the best picture in the world," adding "I know no other picture in the world which can be compared with it" (full text here — Two Venetian Ladies is discussed from section 200/page 197 onwards). The mystery has to do with the discovery that this most enigmatic masterpiece by the Venetian Renaissance master, on display at Venice's Museo Correr, is in fact part of a larger panel, the upper part of which is known as Hunting on the Lagoon and found its way to Los Angeles's Getty Museum. VENICE-O-METER 10
Must-read history of Venice focusing on women. Includes brief portraits of some of the most epoch-making women in Venetian history as well as a remarkable map and a rich bibliography. VENICE-O-METER 7
Bloated historical novel set in 14th century Venice, marketed as "un'indagine di Dante Alighieri" (yep that's right, Dante Alighieri investigates), though plot doesn't really involve an actual crime-related investigation. Ironically, the character of Dante Alighieri is devoid of any psychology or thoughts that would bring him to life on the page. All the featured females are servants or, more often, prostitutes; the only important female character in the novel is a classic prostitute-with-a-heart-of-gold, the type of who also has a silvery, childlike laugh and memorizes poetry. The reader is not spared a single cliché.
VENICE-O-METER 7
Remarkable essays about the impact of the printing press on the lives of women in Renaissance Venice VENICE-O-METER 8
Preposterous cime novel whose plot is rooted in a puzzling faith in the both local police and, even more laughably, the local press. The only female character doesn't seem to be mentioned without a nod to her bosom (ample), her clothing (low-cut) and he legs (long). If you want to read a brilliant crime novel set in Venice, go for Patricia Highsmith's Those Who Walk Away, Donna Leon's Commissario Brunetti series or Christopher Bollen's A Beautiful Crime. VENICE-O-METER 8
Historical novel inspired by the biography of Venetian rococo artist Rosalba Carriera (1673-1757) VENICE-O-METER 8
Historical short story set in Venice's Ospedale della Pietà orphanage for girls, and focusing on the interactions between the institution' most famous composer, Vivaldi, and the young women who played his music. VENICE-O-METER 7
Graphic novel based on a true, if unlikely 15th century story of survival, gastronomy and Venetian business acumen VENICE-O-METER 3
Novel set in several Italian cities, including Venice VENICE-O-METER 9
Historical novel narrated by the painter Il Tintoretto on his deathbed VENICE-O-METER 8
Novella set in Venice, over the course of a single day |
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Reading Venice's library is always expanding. Some of the books I intend to read or re-read in the future are listed here.
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