Mystery of the Mona Lisa [Hardcover]

Rina de' Firenze (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1996

Historically accurate novel recounts the mother-son relationship of Leonardo da Vinci.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Mystery of the Mona Lisa is billed as a novel here because many will read it like fiction; but some may actually believe the psychic roots of this story of Leonardo da Vinci's roots. The author's visions of Leonardo's real story provide the plot and foundation for an unusual examination of the Mona Lisa's origins. -- Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

Mystery of the Mona Lisa is an extensively researched, lush, and well written tale set against the background of Italy in the 15th Century. rich in details and historically accurate, this unfolds the story of the early family life of the man many consider the greatest genius in history, Leonardo da Vinci. Auhtor, Rina de' Firenze tells her tale in the voice of Caterina, Leonardo's mother. In a succession of revelations, the woman describes her fears and anxieties about her son and the tragic events that relegate her to a life of isolation on a remote Tuscan hillside. There she accomplishes what she calls her mission, which begins with the birth of her illegitimate child, Leonardo, and continues to the down of the Italian Renaissance. Thoughout the book, Caterina's voice reveals her noble origin and the importance of her struggle to keep the maternal hearth burning for her son, who is taken from her at an early age. Caterina's simple dwelling later turns out to be a place of mysterious attraction for the adolescent Leonardo, who flees, first his grandfather's house and later Verrochio's studio, to find solace in the solitary corner of the world. There, together with his mother, he rediscovers the poetry of nature, the phenomena of plants, and the flights of birds and secretly builds his mechanical objects, giving free rein to his vision of human progress. Mystery of the Mona Lisa will appeal especially to lovers of historical novels and all those interested in the life of Leonardo da Vinci.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 354 pages
• Publisher: Hastings House; English Language Ed edition (October 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803893817
• ISBN-13: 978-0803893818
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,509,203 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Is it a duchess, a merchant's wife or his mother?, June 20, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Mystery of the Mona Lisa (Hardcover)

In her intriguing historical novel, Rina de' Firenze claims that the source of inspiration of one of the most famous paintings in the world, is none other than Caterina, the mother of Leonardo da Vinci. A great deal of mystery shrouds the origin of Leonardo's mother, but it is believed that she was a girl of noble blood, whose original name was "Lisa". She had an illegitimate child in 1452 by a well-to-do notary, Piero da Vinci, a child that became the greatest artist, sculptor, architect and engineer of the Renaissance. This romantic biography tells of his early passion for drawing the world around him in the Tuscan hills, his love of nature, flowers, birds and his unsatiable curiosity about mechanical objects and how they work. This unique story came as a premonition to the author, Rina de' Firenze, followed by repeated visions of Leonardo and his mother urging her to tell this story that was unknown to this world. In her own voice, Caterina speaks of the struggle to provide a warm, nuturing environment for her gifted son. She tells of the time when young Leonardo entered Verrocchio's studio in Florence, and of his secret visits to her simple abode. There, where he started drawing her face time and time again, promising her of turning it into the most famous, mysterious painting in the world. Leonardo kept the "Mona Lisa" by his side for the rest of his life. Yet, the sitter remains a mystery to this day-- an enigma. Is it a duchess, a merchant's wife or as some contend, his mother, because her mysterious smile has such a warm, maternal tenderness about it. Nancy Di Benedetto, art historian from Yale and Hunter, currently teaching at Marymount College, NYC

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A charming recreation of the period., June 13, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Mystery of the Mona Lisa (Hardcover)

I found it to be engrossing and read through it quite quickly. The book is a charming recreation of the period and the life of Mona Lisa... Richard Fabricant/attorney

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A magical special place., May 10, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Mystery of the Mona Lisa (Hardcover)

The book "Mystery of the Mona Lisa", was so magical that I shall miss the special place I lived with Caterina while I read each and every word. Edie Linch, Film Maker /Artist, N.Y.C.