The night portrait A novel of World War II and Da Vinci's Italy

Leonardo Da Vinci's Portrait of a Lady with an Ermine is at the center of this engrossing historical novel, and the stories of its creation in 1492 and recovery during WWII form dual narratives that run through it like rich veins of color in a block of marble. In one, Leonardo and his model, Cecelia Gallerani, mistress of the duke of Milan, tell their stories; in the other, Edith Becker, an unassuming German art conservator, and Dominic A. Bonelli, an American soldier with a penchant for drawing, and a daughter named Cecelia, tell theirs. At this point in his career, Leonardo is looking to ensure his place at the duke's court by painting a portrait of Cecelia Gallerani, who is also trying to secure her own place there. Edith inadvertently helps a Nazi official acquire the portrait, then works to recover with the help of Dominic, recently assigned to the Monuments Men team. The interlocking stories in the latest from art historian and novelist Morelli create an exquisite pattern, each beautiful in its own terms and absolutely splendid when brought together.

Morelli's (The Giant) novel revolves around four characters in two time periods: Leonardo da Vinci, Cecilia Gallerani, Edith Becker, and Dominic Bonelli. In the 1490s, Leonardo da Vinci is tasked with painting the portrait of the Duke of Milan's mistress, Cecilia, a young woman intent on being more than what society says she can be. Meanwhile in the 1940s, Edith, a German art conservator, attempts to use her position to return Nazi-stolen art to its rightful owners, and American soldier Dominic works his way across Europe, trying to find the looted works. The stories connect via Leonardo's painting, Lady with an Ermine. VERDICT Morelli's wonderfully intertwined, quiet tale set during unquiet times reveals truths about the human character and the will to survive. The well-balanced historical fiction on the plight of stolen artwork during World War II moves smoothly between the centuries, focusing on individuals and their own motivations, fears, and ambitions. The theme of survival appears often in the narrative, connected to both people and objects alike and creating another layer for readers to enjoy.--Laura Hiatt, Fort Collins, CO