Masterpiece [Paperback]

Miranda Glover (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2007

MASTERPIECE is a beautifully written, fast-paced page-turner set in the contemporary art scene featuring celebrated Brit-artist Esther Glass. In an audacious stroke she puts herself up for sale by auction at Sotheby's as a living masterpiece, to be owned by the highest bidder for a week. For each day of her possession, she will perform as one of seven iconic women, themselves the subjects of great paintings from the past. (CHRISTINA OF DENMARK by Holbein, OLYMPIA by Manet, MADONNA OF THE PINKS by Raphael, MADAME DE SENONNES by Ingres, MRS LEYLAND by Whistler, ISABELLA D'ESTE by Leonardo da Vinci, and JUDITH AND HOLOFERNES by Klimt.) Esther's extraordinary art adventure takes her to major European galleries and the Frick in New York to research her seven selected masterpieces. Once sold, she returns to Manhattan for her week of ownership. There she is forced to confront financial corruption by her dealers, the instability of her relationships with her lovers and, on her return to London, her own intrinsic values as an artist, daughter and woman. MASTERPIECE gives us rare access and insight into the workings of the contemporary art scene - and examines the effects of self-obsession, celebrity and greed on the part of its key players. It comes at a seminal moment when the art of sensation has possibly run its course. Where can it - and our heroine - possibly go next?

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Miranda Glover had an early career in publishing, specializing in art, design and the web. She has edited several well-received books set in the art field as well as writing several art reference books.


From the Hardcover edition. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback
• ISBN-10: 0553818538
• ISBN-13: 978-0553818536
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a novel concept, October 14, 2005

By 

Critique that "Riss" (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Masterpiece (Hardcover)

In masterpiece, Glover has managed to stumble onto an amazing, thought provoking concept which raises questions about the value and place of contemporary art within our society. Her research and insight into the seven great masterpieces (ranging from Da Vinci to Klimt) is astounding and it's wonderful how she works her life indelibly into the paintings and we take on her eyes.
She decides to sell herself as a work of art and for seven days she will act out one of the seven masterpieces. Yet in exploring the history of the paintings she is forced to confront her own history and those which she thought she'd left behind.
However, as a first novel it only survives well because it has grapsed a good idea and her voice and style could use some improvement. Glover has the imagination and the potential to be a great writer but lacks experience to really pull it off.