What do you think?
Rate this book
The Golden Tulip
Francesca’s father is a well-known painter in the bustling port city of Amsterdam; he is also a gambler. Though their household is in economic chaos, thankfully the lessons she learned in his studio have prepared her to study with Johannes Vermeer, the master of Delft.
When she arrives to begin her apprenticeship, Francesca is stunned to find rules, written in her father’s hand, insisting that she give up the freedoms she once enjoyed at home- including her friendship with Pieter van Doorne, a tulip merchant. Unaware of a terrible bargain her father has made against her future, Francesca pursues her growing affection for Pieter even as she learns to paint like Vermeer, in layers of light. As her talent blooms, “tulip mania” sweeps the land, and fortunes are being made on a single bulb. What seems like a boon for Pieter instead reveals the extent of the betrayal of Francesca’s father. And as the two learn the true nature of the obstacles in their path, a patron of Francesca’s father determines to do anything in his power to ensure she stays within the limits that have been set for her.
The Golden Tulip brings one of the most exciting periods of Dutch history alive, creating a page-turning novel that is as vivid and unforgettable as a Vermeer painting.
When she arrives to begin her apprenticeship, Francesca is stunned to find rules, written in her father’s hand, insisting that she give up the freedoms she once enjoyed at home- including her friendship with Pieter van Doorne, a tulip merchant. Unaware of a terrible bargain her father has made against her future, Francesca pursues her growing affection for Pieter even as she learns to paint like Vermeer, in layers of light. As her talent blooms, “tulip mania” sweeps the land, and fortunes are being made on a single bulb. What seems like a boon for Pieter instead reveals the extent of the betrayal of Francesca’s father. And as the two learn the true nature of the obstacles in their path, a patron of Francesca’s father determines to do anything in his power to ensure she stays within the limits that have been set for her.
The Golden Tulip brings one of the most exciting periods of Dutch history alive, creating a page-turning novel that is as vivid and unforgettable as a Vermeer painting.
566 pages, Paperback
First published November 27, 1991
56 people are currently reading
2103 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind Laker
81 books191 followersA pseudonym used by Barbara Øvstedal.
Barbara Øvstedal was an author previously writing under the pseudonym Barbara Paul and Barbara Douglas. She wrote a few books under this pseudonym but later changed to Rosalind Laker when Barbara Paul gained recognition. Her many books include The Sugar Pavilion and To Dance with Kings.
Barbara Øvstedal was an author previously writing under the pseudonym Barbara Paul and Barbara Douglas. She wrote a few books under this pseudonym but later changed to Rosalind Laker when Barbara Paul gained recognition. Her many books include The Sugar Pavilion and To Dance with Kings.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
September 10, 2016
When I first read the description of this story I had the smarts not to read anyone else's review. I enjoyed what I read beforehand and I didn't want other people to tarnish my opinion. I think if I had read someone's less-than-five-star review, I would not have considered reading the book. And I am glad I did this because THE GOLDEN TULIP was such a rich and honored narrative with considerable depth.
So, if you have read the publisher's depiction and you think this is a story you might want to read, STOP HERE. Read the story!
-------------
My Review:
I will start with the biggest drawback. The hardcover I read was 585 pages with small print. The actual size of the book was not overly large but you could have easily used it to press flowers.
The story was historical fiction mixed with real characters that lived during the 1600's in Holland, a former province of the Netherlands. Francesca Visser, a young woman, wanted to become an artist in the truest sense: a Master Painter. This was a serious profession if you had money and influence to seek an apprenticeship. It was also the story of the three men that affected her the most.
Her papa, the artist Hendrick Visser, was a fifty-something year old man with the attitude of a self-absorbent boy. His moodiness, excessive drinking and gambling habit affected his household all the time. He controlled the money but required his wife, and then Francesca, to pay the bills. This issue was a constant source of anxiety.
Then there was the sordid, degenerative Ludolf van Deventer, her father's patron and a man whom lusted after Francesca. He was determined that nothing would stop him from possessing her. NOTHING. The best way to describe him? Think of oily sandpaper running over your skin.
Lastly, there was the kindly Pieter van Doorne. From the first moment he saw Francesca, he knew in his heart she was someone special. He was a horticulturalist before the term came into being. He tended to his bulbs and landscaped to make ends meet. As strongly as Francesca wanted to become a Master Painter, Pieter had a deep passion for growing flowers. Because he understood her intentness, he respected Francesca. And with a fierceness he had never felt before, he loved her.
Francesca's sisters, Aletta and Sybella, tug and push the plot along. There were two wonderful secondary stories in the second half of the book when they reach adulthood. You will also 'meet' Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer with all their idiosyncrasies. I am not an expert on art but there was a time or two that I wondered if Ms. Laker took some liberties. On the flip side, the author took great care in bringing these people, along with all the others, to life.
THE GOLDEN TULIP was very much a character-driven story. It contained espionage, family drama and romance with some surprising men. Until now, the closest I have come to enjoying a book from this general era was THE TINNER'S BRIDE by Irene Northan. Like that story, TGT won me over with five stars.
So, if you have read the publisher's depiction and you think this is a story you might want to read, STOP HERE. Read the story!
-------------
My Review:
I will start with the biggest drawback. The hardcover I read was 585 pages with small print. The actual size of the book was not overly large but you could have easily used it to press flowers.
The story was historical fiction mixed with real characters that lived during the 1600's in Holland, a former province of the Netherlands. Francesca Visser, a young woman, wanted to become an artist in the truest sense: a Master Painter. This was a serious profession if you had money and influence to seek an apprenticeship. It was also the story of the three men that affected her the most.
Her papa, the artist Hendrick Visser, was a fifty-something year old man with the attitude of a self-absorbent boy. His moodiness, excessive drinking and gambling habit affected his household all the time. He controlled the money but required his wife, and then Francesca, to pay the bills. This issue was a constant source of anxiety.
Then there was the sordid, degenerative Ludolf van Deventer, her father's patron and a man whom lusted after Francesca. He was determined that nothing would stop him from possessing her. NOTHING. The best way to describe him? Think of oily sandpaper running over your skin.
Lastly, there was the kindly Pieter van Doorne. From the first moment he saw Francesca, he knew in his heart she was someone special. He was a horticulturalist before the term came into being. He tended to his bulbs and landscaped to make ends meet. As strongly as Francesca wanted to become a Master Painter, Pieter had a deep passion for growing flowers. Because he understood her intentness, he respected Francesca. And with a fierceness he had never felt before, he loved her.
Francesca's sisters, Aletta and Sybella, tug and push the plot along. There were two wonderful secondary stories in the second half of the book when they reach adulthood. You will also 'meet' Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer with all their idiosyncrasies. I am not an expert on art but there was a time or two that I wondered if Ms. Laker took some liberties. On the flip side, the author took great care in bringing these people, along with all the others, to life.
THE GOLDEN TULIP was very much a character-driven story. It contained espionage, family drama and romance with some surprising men. Until now, the closest I have come to enjoying a book from this general era was THE TINNER'S BRIDE by Irene Northan. Like that story, TGT won me over with five stars.
July 20, 2018
Let me say this first: the story is not about “tulip mania" as synopsis on GR and Amazon would let you believe. In fact, the famous mania happened many years before the events in the book took place. Instead, art, love, music, and political intrigue are the main themes of this novel set in the 17th century Netherlands aka the Dutch Golden Age.
At the center of it is the fictional Visser family. Hendrick Visser is a decent painter, former apprentice of the great Frans Halls and a friend of Rembrandt. The sale of his paintings would earn him a comfortable living were it not for his compulsive gambling and incessant drinking. His vices continually force his family into a hand-to-mouth existence and always on the edge of devastation and financial ruin. When Hendrick's wife dies in childbirth, his three daughters, Francesca, Aletta, and Sybylla, become even more vulnerable to their father's vice-driven whims and desperate acts. It is Visser's gambling that thrusts his family into circumstances that cause his eldest and most talented daughter, Francesca, to face an uncertain future at the hands of a devious suitor who threatens Hendrick with financial ruin. The other sisters suffer for their father's duplicity as well. It would take many twists and turns, seemingly unattainable goals for all three of them to find their happiness.
The book is long and slow at the beginning. But somehow it grew on me. I enjoyed the setting, the historical details, the snippets about daily life of the Dutch artists and merchants. Having been to the cities described in the novel - Amsterdam, Delft, and Haarlem- it was easy to picture the scenery. It’s on that trip through Holland where I actually understood and started to appreciate the Dutch masters in fullest. And I think that is where the author’s talent shines through. Her descriptions of the paintings are spot on. She intertwines them with the ups and downs of the Visser family creating a memorable pallet of light and darkness, of deceptive simplicity and burst of color.
I think if you are a fan of the Dutch art and historical fiction in general, you will enjoy the story.
At the center of it is the fictional Visser family. Hendrick Visser is a decent painter, former apprentice of the great Frans Halls and a friend of Rembrandt. The sale of his paintings would earn him a comfortable living were it not for his compulsive gambling and incessant drinking. His vices continually force his family into a hand-to-mouth existence and always on the edge of devastation and financial ruin. When Hendrick's wife dies in childbirth, his three daughters, Francesca, Aletta, and Sybylla, become even more vulnerable to their father's vice-driven whims and desperate acts. It is Visser's gambling that thrusts his family into circumstances that cause his eldest and most talented daughter, Francesca, to face an uncertain future at the hands of a devious suitor who threatens Hendrick with financial ruin. The other sisters suffer for their father's duplicity as well. It would take many twists and turns, seemingly unattainable goals for all three of them to find their happiness.
The book is long and slow at the beginning. But somehow it grew on me. I enjoyed the setting, the historical details, the snippets about daily life of the Dutch artists and merchants. Having been to the cities described in the novel - Amsterdam, Delft, and Haarlem- it was easy to picture the scenery. It’s on that trip through Holland where I actually understood and started to appreciate the Dutch masters in fullest. And I think that is where the author’s talent shines through. Her descriptions of the paintings are spot on. She intertwines them with the ups and downs of the Visser family creating a memorable pallet of light and darkness, of deceptive simplicity and burst of color.
I think if you are a fan of the Dutch art and historical fiction in general, you will enjoy the story.
July 13, 2017
This story is led by a fictional character, Francesca. Through her a reader gets to experience the 17th century Amsterdam and its rich history, known for great artists and tulips.
As Francesca grows up listening to her father’s stories about famous artists of Florence, she learns to appreciate art herself. With her family being acquainted with Rembrandt’s family, a reader gets to know briefly the great artist and his struggles as well.
After the death of her mother, at the age of 13, Francesca takes over the responsibility of the household and her painting lessons vanish with the grief of her father. But one day a young man appears at their door to deliver tulip bulbs. It is Peter, proud horticultural business owner. Shortly after her father’s art dealer arranges for her apprenticeship with Vermeer in Delft. Meanwhile, Francesca’s life starts to take a different turn until a new patron for her father’s paintings enters the scene. Ludolf is a scheming and very unlikable character.
As Francesca enters her apprenticeship, a reader gets to know the famous artist Vermeer and his family. Also, the conflict between Louis XIV of France and Prince of Orange is weaved into the story.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and I’m getting to like the style of writing of this author. This is the second book I’ve read by her. But I gave this book 4 stars due to the very one unlikable character, who spoiled the story for me at some point to a point that I almost put the book away. But I’m glad I didn’t.
As Francesca grows up listening to her father’s stories about famous artists of Florence, she learns to appreciate art herself. With her family being acquainted with Rembrandt’s family, a reader gets to know briefly the great artist and his struggles as well.
After the death of her mother, at the age of 13, Francesca takes over the responsibility of the household and her painting lessons vanish with the grief of her father. But one day a young man appears at their door to deliver tulip bulbs. It is Peter, proud horticultural business owner. Shortly after her father’s art dealer arranges for her apprenticeship with Vermeer in Delft. Meanwhile, Francesca’s life starts to take a different turn until a new patron for her father’s paintings enters the scene. Ludolf is a scheming and very unlikable character.
As Francesca enters her apprenticeship, a reader gets to know the famous artist Vermeer and his family. Also, the conflict between Louis XIV of France and Prince of Orange is weaved into the story.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and I’m getting to like the style of writing of this author. This is the second book I’ve read by her. But I gave this book 4 stars due to the very one unlikable character, who spoiled the story for me at some point to a point that I almost put the book away. But I’m glad I didn’t.
February 6, 2017
Seemed a good book to read en route to Amsterdam - seeing as it is set in that city.
Add to that the three sisters who feature in the book ,the daughters of a Dutch artist, and painters themselves. The eldest falls in love with a tulip maker, the second with a penniless artist. When they are not painting and doing other Dutch things, the girls walk by the canals and go visit Rembrandt and his family !
Clearly it had all the right ingredients. Plus we got it for 99 cents in an on the road side sale ....
"Lets buy , read and junk" said S . So we did. of course we didn't junk it. And here it is back in Mumbai on our already overloaded book shelves !
PS- And now it's become a family favorite . A and A love it too !
Add to that the three sisters who feature in the book ,the daughters of a Dutch artist, and painters themselves. The eldest falls in love with a tulip maker, the second with a penniless artist. When they are not painting and doing other Dutch things, the girls walk by the canals and go visit Rembrandt and his family !
Clearly it had all the right ingredients. Plus we got it for 99 cents in an on the road side sale ....
"Lets buy , read and junk" said S . So we did. of course we didn't junk it. And here it is back in Mumbai on our already overloaded book shelves !
PS- And now it's become a family favorite . A and A love it too !
Read
January 12, 2008I just could not get past the first several pages of the novel. I was interested in the story, but I found the writing too flat.
November 11, 2009
This amazing novel has many different story threads woven together beautifully. At the heart is the story of Francesca and her family. Francesca is the daughter of a decent artist in Amsterdam. Taking after her father, she appears to be headed toward great things in the art world. An apprenticeship is acquired for her with the relatively unknown (at the time) Johannes Vermeer in Delft. Things all seem to be looking up – Francesca has an apprenticeship, her family appears to be doing well (her father has a wealthy patron), and she finds herself falling in love with Pieter (a tulip grower and landscape designer). Just when things appear to go well, all starts to fall apart. The patron of her father has become obsessed with Francesca and is determined to marry her – no matter what the cost! How do these problems affect Francesca’s art? How will her family fare? What will happen to the blossoming love between Francesca and Pieter?
My favorite part about this novel was the way the characters were written. I truly felt for the characters. I would be excited when good things happened and very upset when horrible things happened. Each character felt so real – they all had their flaws and personalities and didn’t feel typical. One of my favorite characters was a minor character – Catherina Vermeer, Johannes Vermeer’s wife. She was so good to Francesca and I just loved her personality.
It is very obvious that a lot of research went into this book. Tulipmania was explained in relative depth – this was when the price of a single tulip bulb climbed to as high as a year’s salary, everyone wanted them, and then the market crashed and people were left penniless. There were also great descriptions of the cities of Amsterdam and Delft. Vermeer’s paintings were discussed – what the meaning are behind some of the works and symbols, stories about the sittings as well as physical descriptions.
I really loved this book – it had so many little stories happening with this family and was very intriguing. I cannot wait to get to read The Venetian Mask which is on my shelf right now.
4.5 out of 5 stars
My favorite part about this novel was the way the characters were written. I truly felt for the characters. I would be excited when good things happened and very upset when horrible things happened. Each character felt so real – they all had their flaws and personalities and didn’t feel typical. One of my favorite characters was a minor character – Catherina Vermeer, Johannes Vermeer’s wife. She was so good to Francesca and I just loved her personality.
It is very obvious that a lot of research went into this book. Tulipmania was explained in relative depth – this was when the price of a single tulip bulb climbed to as high as a year’s salary, everyone wanted them, and then the market crashed and people were left penniless. There were also great descriptions of the cities of Amsterdam and Delft. Vermeer’s paintings were discussed – what the meaning are behind some of the works and symbols, stories about the sittings as well as physical descriptions.
I really loved this book – it had so many little stories happening with this family and was very intriguing. I cannot wait to get to read The Venetian Mask which is on my shelf right now.
4.5 out of 5 stars
December 22, 2012
This novel takes us to 17th century Holland against the background Of William Of Orange coming of age and Louis XIV's invasion of Holland. This is they heyday of the great Dutch painters.
Francesca Visser wishes only to learn to paint. Marriage is the furthest thing from her mind. In fact, she is minded not to marry. Her younger sister, Aletta is also struggling to find independence while the youngest Sybylla wants to marry the richest man she can find.
Since the death of their mother from bearing Sybylla, Francesca has been responsible for running her father's household and raising her sister. Although her father loves his family, he is a somewhat feckless impractical man with a weakness for gambling which leads him into trouble that directly affects Francesca.
Two men love Francesca, Pieter Van Doorne and Ludolf Van Deventer.
She goes to Delft to apprentice to Johannes Vermeer only to find to her bewilderment the freedom she has always enjoyed taken away. Meanwhile her sister, Aletta gets on the wrong side of their father and also finds herself in Delft. Sybylla prepares herself to marry only to get sidetracked.
I greatly enjoyed this novel. It took me less time to read than I thought as I found it difficult to tear myself away.
Highly recommended.
Francesca Visser wishes only to learn to paint. Marriage is the furthest thing from her mind. In fact, she is minded not to marry. Her younger sister, Aletta is also struggling to find independence while the youngest Sybylla wants to marry the richest man she can find.
Since the death of their mother from bearing Sybylla, Francesca has been responsible for running her father's household and raising her sister. Although her father loves his family, he is a somewhat feckless impractical man with a weakness for gambling which leads him into trouble that directly affects Francesca.
Two men love Francesca, Pieter Van Doorne and Ludolf Van Deventer.
She goes to Delft to apprentice to Johannes Vermeer only to find to her bewilderment the freedom she has always enjoyed taken away. Meanwhile her sister, Aletta gets on the wrong side of their father and also finds herself in Delft. Sybylla prepares herself to marry only to get sidetracked.
I greatly enjoyed this novel. It took me less time to read than I thought as I found it difficult to tear myself away.
Highly recommended.
January 28, 2008
I expected this book to be a copy cat of Girl With a Pearl Earring, which I also enjoyed. I found that the only similarity between the two, was the setting in mid-1600s Holland and the presence of the painter, Vermeer, the plot completey diverged from one another. In the Golden Tulip, the main character, Fransesca, is an aspiring painter who undertakes an apprenticeship with Johannes Vermeet in order to gain her mastership. Along the course, she must overcome the obstacles to her relationship with her true love, Pieter, and the unwanted seductions of a ill suitor. The story is also intertwined with the romances and pursuits of her two younger sisters. In the end, the story concludes happily ever after with the demise of the shifty suitor and the marriage of the two lovers. My only complaint was the sporadic pace of the book. At times, the author focused ad nauseum on detail and setting and at other times rushed through major events in a sentence or two.
May 28, 2013
Great setting, interesting characters, apparently well researched - but hampered by clumsy over-writing. Every other sentence could have been cut, and the overall effect would have been much better, especially the descriptions of character motivation, which were guilty of telling in addition to showing. But once the plot took off, I was able to overlook that and I enjoyed the story. It's a little cheesy - happy endings all around! - but I wasn't expecting much else, so it made for an easy read in that sense.
So another one read in my quest to read about the part of Europe I'll be visiting in the fall. I felt that this one continued my education of the history of Holland, at least as portrayed in historical fiction. I'll have a better idea of some of the stories behind the places, and the people, when I get there.
So another one read in my quest to read about the part of Europe I'll be visiting in the fall. I felt that this one continued my education of the history of Holland, at least as portrayed in historical fiction. I'll have a better idea of some of the stories behind the places, and the people, when I get there.
March 29, 2011
This historical romance that takes place in Holland during the time of the great painters there. Francesca Visser, daughter of Hendrick Visser, a friend of the painter Rembrandt, yearns to become a master artist on her own, and her dreams come true when she is finally apprenticed to the artist Vermeer. Her father, in order to settle his gambling debts, has secretly betrothed her to wealthy, sinister Ludolf VanDeventer, but she is really in love with tulip grower Pieter Van Doorne. Add to this the love lives and fortunes (or lack of them) of her sisters Aleta and Sybilla, and this begins to sound like "just any old pot boiler romance." What saves it is that the author really knows her history as well as the art, and makes it all come alive for the reader. Although parts of the plot are convenient and even predictable, I found that this novel of almost 600 pages held my interest to the end. One of the library reviews says this is for those who like "more meat than heat" in their historical romance.
January 28, 2021
I finished it.
Let me just say that I enjoyed every page, every beautifully assembled and fitted moment of this unique novel.
So easy to read, full of love, warmth, "The Golden Tulip" masterfully leads through art, refined and in sufficient quantity not to bore the reader, and also to convey a really beautiful and interesting part of art history.
Art, love, intrigue, malice ... and all that is perfectly intertwined, with gentle descriptions to warm your heart and you can not give it up until you finish it.
Very warm and dynamic work, honestly, I did not expect so much, although it was very commendable.
It delighted me in every aspect.
GREAT ...
The best lesson is that life is very short, accidents happen, much more often than happiness, but it is up to us to do our best to create our most beautiful image on the canvas called life ... and never give up. From whatever....
Let me just say that I enjoyed every page, every beautifully assembled and fitted moment of this unique novel.
So easy to read, full of love, warmth, "The Golden Tulip" masterfully leads through art, refined and in sufficient quantity not to bore the reader, and also to convey a really beautiful and interesting part of art history.
Art, love, intrigue, malice ... and all that is perfectly intertwined, with gentle descriptions to warm your heart and you can not give it up until you finish it.
Very warm and dynamic work, honestly, I did not expect so much, although it was very commendable.
It delighted me in every aspect.
GREAT ...
The best lesson is that life is very short, accidents happen, much more often than happiness, but it is up to us to do our best to create our most beautiful image on the canvas called life ... and never give up. From whatever....
November 9, 2020
I picked this up to satisfy a prompt for a book challenge and I absolutely loved it! I had never heard of this book or the author, but I am sure to check out her other books. I enjoyed getting to know each character and their relationships with each other and how they intersected. It was a colorful time period and I did not know much about how masters and the guild worked in the art world, so I will look more into that. I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction.
October 2, 2018
I enjoyed this story and I’m getting to like the style of writing of this author. The biggest problem I have with this one is that some main characters are flat, who spoiled the story for me to a point I almost put the book away. But I’m glad I didn’t.
August 8, 2014
While I enjoy reading about artists & have affinity for Dutch/Flemish art, this book became tedious. I got half-way thru the 550 pg book. Needed some editing.
December 4, 2019
It is interesting, kept me reading through the whole book, but... it's a bit long. Could have benefited if Rosalind had decided to tell the story of only one of the girls. All their stories could have been an independent book. It's a bit trope-y, but it was written 1991 (or first published), so I suppose they wouldn't have been quite that trope-y at that time :-D
“To call on Master Rembrandt. I’ve got that new book on Caravaggio that he wants to read.”
Surely not.
Giovanni Baglione's Le vite de' pittori, 1642
Oh... so it could be possible! Wow!
"She was unaware of the extent to which her face had taken on an unusual and striking beauty, for she saw no symmetry in her features such as she admired in others and she was dismissive of compliments. Yet there was a haunting, fascinating quality to her expressive visage that Hendrick had long recognized in his paintings of her, and which was further enhanced by her lustrous green eyes, the upper lids weighed down by thick lashes. Her nose was narrow with delicately flaring nostrils and her neck was long, giving her a swanlike poise. Her cheekbones were wide, as was her mouth, but her lips were curved and her complexion was smooth as creamy silk."
Ugh.
The guy bought tulip bulbs which are probably VERY expensive and the maid says "OK", and takes them, VERY WELL AWARE OF THAT THEY CAN'T AFFORD THEM! She should have told the man to take them back because master doesn't have any money.
So a pregnant woman falls, hits herself and goes into labor.
About 1/3 of the book later, a pregnant woman falls, hits herself and goes into labor.
Ok, so things like that happen. But twice in the same book? No.
Jan Vermeer probably didn't use camera obscura at all. How would I know?
1) there wasn't no camera obscura boxes, rooms or lenses in his house when he died
2) he puts details in the paintings that weren't there in real life, like tiles on the floor
3) there are pin marks in his paintings corresponding where chalk lines would have been in the elementary 1 vanishing point perspective
4) it was too dark in the rooms for camera obscura. It needs a LOT of light, usually it was used only outside in strong sunlight.
So, she couldn't write, and she refused the offer of using Jan Vermeer as her messenger, because she was waiting for Willem de Hartog... because "I don't want to cause any bone of contention between you and Geetruyd". What? How would she have known? Uh. Problems just to have problems.
“There will be no more meals served to the master on trays. He’s not an invalid."
He isn't? He lost his legs in an accident, invalid is exactly what he is! :-D
“To call on Master Rembrandt. I’ve got that new book on Caravaggio that he wants to read.”
Surely not.
Giovanni Baglione's Le vite de' pittori, 1642
Oh... so it could be possible! Wow!
"She was unaware of the extent to which her face had taken on an unusual and striking beauty, for she saw no symmetry in her features such as she admired in others and she was dismissive of compliments. Yet there was a haunting, fascinating quality to her expressive visage that Hendrick had long recognized in his paintings of her, and which was further enhanced by her lustrous green eyes, the upper lids weighed down by thick lashes. Her nose was narrow with delicately flaring nostrils and her neck was long, giving her a swanlike poise. Her cheekbones were wide, as was her mouth, but her lips were curved and her complexion was smooth as creamy silk."
Ugh.
The guy bought tulip bulbs which are probably VERY expensive and the maid says "OK", and takes them, VERY WELL AWARE OF THAT THEY CAN'T AFFORD THEM! She should have told the man to take them back because master doesn't have any money.
So a pregnant woman falls, hits herself and goes into labor.
About 1/3 of the book later, a pregnant woman falls, hits herself and goes into labor.
Ok, so things like that happen. But twice in the same book? No.
Jan Vermeer probably didn't use camera obscura at all. How would I know?
1) there wasn't no camera obscura boxes, rooms or lenses in his house when he died
2) he puts details in the paintings that weren't there in real life, like tiles on the floor
3) there are pin marks in his paintings corresponding where chalk lines would have been in the elementary 1 vanishing point perspective
4) it was too dark in the rooms for camera obscura. It needs a LOT of light, usually it was used only outside in strong sunlight.
So, she couldn't write, and she refused the offer of using Jan Vermeer as her messenger, because she was waiting for Willem de Hartog... because "I don't want to cause any bone of contention between you and Geetruyd". What? How would she have known? Uh. Problems just to have problems.
“There will be no more meals served to the master on trays. He’s not an invalid."
He isn't? He lost his legs in an accident, invalid is exactly what he is! :-D
August 15, 2019
Very descriptive and accurate book especially the descriptions of 17th Century Holland and historical figures and their work. Mostly clean and interesting.
Francesca Visser is the oldest of three daughters of Amsterdam painter, Hendrick Visser. She and her next younger sister, Aletta, are both being taught by Hendrick to be painters. Like most artists of the period, Hendrick is temperamental and extravagant, often putting the family in financial trouble. When the mother, Anna, dies in childbirth, Francesca takes over the running of the household in addition to her painting. She is eventually set to be apprenticed to Jan Vermeer in Delft, but that is jeopardized when Hendrick loses the tuition money gambling with Ludolf van Deventer – an art patron with a shady background. Pieter van Doorne, a successful tulip merchant, provides the funds for Francesca to get her apprenticeship, but Deventer does all he can to blackmail Hendrick and to acquire Francesca. Pieter and Francesca gradually fall in love as she becomes a master painter under Vermeer (and with his same style of painting.) Meanwhile, Ludolf is engaged in spying for France; Aletta is disowned by Hendrick for selling paintings without his permission and marries a man she rehabilitates after his legs are amputated; Sybylla, the third sister elopes with a painter on the eve of her marriage to a wealthy banker; and the French invade Holland. All this and more in 585 pages!
Francesca Visser is the oldest of three daughters of Amsterdam painter, Hendrick Visser. She and her next younger sister, Aletta, are both being taught by Hendrick to be painters. Like most artists of the period, Hendrick is temperamental and extravagant, often putting the family in financial trouble. When the mother, Anna, dies in childbirth, Francesca takes over the running of the household in addition to her painting. She is eventually set to be apprenticed to Jan Vermeer in Delft, but that is jeopardized when Hendrick loses the tuition money gambling with Ludolf van Deventer – an art patron with a shady background. Pieter van Doorne, a successful tulip merchant, provides the funds for Francesca to get her apprenticeship, but Deventer does all he can to blackmail Hendrick and to acquire Francesca. Pieter and Francesca gradually fall in love as she becomes a master painter under Vermeer (and with his same style of painting.) Meanwhile, Ludolf is engaged in spying for France; Aletta is disowned by Hendrick for selling paintings without his permission and marries a man she rehabilitates after his legs are amputated; Sybylla, the third sister elopes with a painter on the eve of her marriage to a wealthy banker; and the French invade Holland. All this and more in 585 pages!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2019
This is about an innocent yet courageous young woman who came under the control of an obsessive, powerful and influential murderous spy due to her beloved father's gambling debts of which again the said sinister gentleman had a hand. Francesca Visser and her sisters were daughters of an indifferent and undisciplined painter who could be good but would never be great, though only Francesca and Aletta showed interest in painting; Sybylla, the youngest, only wanted to be rich. Francesca's raw talent was perceived by her father's agent as similar to that of Vermeer hence her apprenticeship with the artist in Deflt where Ludolf enforced his control on her lodgings and restrictions on her interactions with anyone outside of family including the young tulip grower, Pieter van Doorn. Pieter fell in love with Francesca in her model~guise as Flora, Goddess of Spring when he came to deliver some of his tulip bulbs to the Visser house in Amsterdam. Each of the 3 sisters found their own destinies after so much plethora of drama, intrigues and even a battle ~ for the valiant Dutch would never be cowed by any invaders, this time by the French. This is a glorious and thrilling novel and more than a love story for it is the epitome of reliving moments in history.
July 11, 2023
'm a sucker for most anything set in old Netherlands, and throw in art, Vermeer (some license is taken in this historical fiction book by giving him a female apprentice, the main character Francesca. The characters are well drawn and the first half of the book spends its time with the Visser family, with the three daughters, the oldest of whom is Francesca. The author describes their world in colors and textures like an artist would see it, and characters are all well rounded and believable. The first two thirds of the book concerns Francesca's attention to her apprenticeship in Delft while she tries to put the unwanted attention of her father's patron in the back of her mind. Difficult to do when she discovers her father has betrothed her to him in return for payment of gambling debts. The historical aspect comes into focus (too) quickly the last fourth of the book or so, when France is about to invade Holland, and she finds herself aiding the patriots in Delft when the man she truly loves is in danger. The romance between the two is sweet and strong. But the other sisters also have their own loves, and that is what I found a to be too cliche to be a strong 5 rating from me (and the sappy epilogue clinched it).
March 26, 2019
Een meesterwerk! Het is ongeveer 1670 en de tijd van de Barok. Francesca Visser groeit op in Amsterdam waar haar vader schilder is maar ze wil zelf ook schilder worden. Voor een vrouw is het echter extra moeilijk om kansen te krijgen. Bovendien heeft vader een talent voor gokschulden en houdt hij wel van een borrel. Zo ontstaat er een dreigende situatie als Ludolf van Deventer haar wil terwijl vader schulden bij hem heeft. Zelf houdt Francesca van de tulpenkweker Pieter van Doorne. Dan kan ze toch in de leer bij Johannes Vermeer in Delft maar ook hier is ze niet veilig voor Van Deventer. Hij blijkt ook nog een crimineel te zijn: ze wou die griezel toch al niet maar nu hou je je hart vast of het wel goed gaat. Aan de zijlijn is Francesca's zusje dat ook graag schildert en een man leert kennen. Ook haar liefde gaat niet zonder slag of stoot.
Verschillende elementen van de Gouden Eeuw zijn op een natuurlijke manier in het boek verwerkt. Daarmee is het niet alleen een liefdesroman maar ook een tijdreis. Verder is het soepel geschreven en leest het goed weg. De ontknoping is onverwacht maar passend.
Verschillende elementen van de Gouden Eeuw zijn op een natuurlijke manier in het boek verwerkt. Daarmee is het niet alleen een liefdesroman maar ook een tijdreis. Verder is het soepel geschreven en leest het goed weg. De ontknoping is onverwacht maar passend.
March 3, 2022
Francesca, Aletta, and Sybella are daughters of a painter, Hendrik Visser, who has a great deal of talent, but often drinks and gambles his earned money away so that the family is always struggling to make ends meet. His drunkenness and gambling only gets worse when his wife dies and when a rich man by the name of Ludolf van Deventer decides that he wants Francesca for his bride even though she is not the least bit interested in him (and despite the fact that he is already married), Hendrik gets tricked into gambling more than he owns and is forced to sign a contract to let Ludolf marry Francesca as soon as the obligatory 6 months of mourning for his wife is over.
However, Francesca is interested in painting (and later in a man named Pieter) and is committed to studying with Johannes Vermeer for three years before she will marry anyone. Aletta is also interested in being a painter. Sybella is more interested in marrying well and being rich. Lots of intrigue because of the rising of the Prince of Orange over the king of France, who wants Holland evolves between all of the characters.
However, Francesca is interested in painting (and later in a man named Pieter) and is committed to studying with Johannes Vermeer for three years before she will marry anyone. Aletta is also interested in being a painter. Sybella is more interested in marrying well and being rich. Lots of intrigue because of the rising of the Prince of Orange over the king of France, who wants Holland evolves between all of the characters.
January 1, 2022
The book had a slow start and for a bit, I wasn’t sure where it was going but I ended up really enjoying it. Even though it’s kind of long, I’m glad I stuck with it. It’s really well written and very detailed.
Without spoiling it, I loved the way the three sisters persevered. They were also smart and funny and stubborn in different ways. There were several times where I thought there was no way they would get out of a certain predicament, and I was always surprised both when they actually did work it out, and when it just got worse.
I thought the ending was perfect. It tied everything together and provided enough closure that I was both satisfied and sad to be done with these characters.
There is a hint of politics and revolt but though it’s prominent in the story, it’s not overwhelming and doesn’t detract from the main storyline. I would definitely recommend this book if you like historical fiction and/or historical romance.
Without spoiling it, I loved the way the three sisters persevered. They were also smart and funny and stubborn in different ways. There were several times where I thought there was no way they would get out of a certain predicament, and I was always surprised both when they actually did work it out, and when it just got worse.
I thought the ending was perfect. It tied everything together and provided enough closure that I was both satisfied and sad to be done with these characters.
There is a hint of politics and revolt but though it’s prominent in the story, it’s not overwhelming and doesn’t detract from the main storyline. I would definitely recommend this book if you like historical fiction and/or historical romance.
June 30, 2021
1st reading
Enjoyed novel thoroughly having found it on the new books shelf in my local library when THE GOLDEN TULIP was newly published in 2007.
2nd reading
The GOLDEN TULIP is good solid historical romantic fiction. It contains all the elements that make a perfect read for me. Varied and interesting characters, well written and researched historical details, interesting, fast moving storyline and best of all—beautiful art and imagery.
The major seduction for me is the setting of the post golden era of Holland —-Rembrandt, Vemeer, tulip mania, artistic pursuit, women’s role in society and painting.
THE MINIATURIST is another superb novel for readers like myself who are interested in the Dutch Golden era.
Enjoyed novel thoroughly having found it on the new books shelf in my local library when THE GOLDEN TULIP was newly published in 2007.
2nd reading
The GOLDEN TULIP is good solid historical romantic fiction. It contains all the elements that make a perfect read for me. Varied and interesting characters, well written and researched historical details, interesting, fast moving storyline and best of all—beautiful art and imagery.
The major seduction for me is the setting of the post golden era of Holland —-Rembrandt, Vemeer, tulip mania, artistic pursuit, women’s role in society and painting.
THE MINIATURIST is another superb novel for readers like myself who are interested in the Dutch Golden era.
April 14, 2020
This was a great read. Being able to leave the current pandemic for a few hours each day was a huge blessing. The hours I spent in Delft painting with Francesca were a fantastic escape from reality. Learning more about tulips and family life in Amsterdam were also very interesting.
This book is being compared to girl with pearl earring but I thought it was a actually much better.
Definitely want to read more by this author.
4.5 stars
This book is being compared to girl with pearl earring but I thought it was a actually much better.
Definitely want to read more by this author.
4.5 stars
January 5, 2021
This was a great book set just after the crazy tulip craze. A young artist who is the daughter of an artist gets the opportunity to apprentice under Johannes Vermeer, painter of the Girl with a Pearl Earring. She has attracted the insane lust of a crazy man leaving her to pursue her dream, true love, and passions while working to gain freedom from an obsessed man. I have read Laker's To Dance with Kings which is an amazingly beautiful book set during the building of Versailles!
Read
February 10, 2025This is an exceptional book about artists in the 1600’s in Holland. There is something in it for everyone. For the historical novel readers, this is one of the best I have read. For those that love to learn about historical art, there are many artists included in this book. For those who like drama there is plenty to be found. And for those who like a little romance thrown in, there is just enough to make you want to turn the next page.
July 12, 2018
3.5 Stars
I read this book ten years ago, after reading another novel by Laker, To Dance With Kings. I enjoy her writing style, although her character portrayals are typical of the time period she's writing and of the time the books were written (1970s-1980s).
All in all, an enjoyable read that I will most likely pick up again.
I read this book ten years ago, after reading another novel by Laker, To Dance With Kings. I enjoy her writing style, although her character portrayals are typical of the time period she's writing and of the time the books were written (1970s-1980s).
All in all, an enjoyable read that I will most likely pick up again.
November 2, 2018
Excellent historical novel about Amsterdam. Although the principle Artist family is fictitious , Jan Vermeer, plays a prominent role. The intrigue of the romances of the 3 daughters was a delight. I especially appreciated the culture, the architecture, and the War with France and Prince William of Orange. The discussions of painting of the Dutch Royal Age taught me so much.
April 2, 2022
Having visited modern Amsterdam and surrounds, I enjoyed being immersed in the lives of intelligent young women of a different time. Learned a little about the land, its history, and its art while also enjoying a satisfying love story. Enough tension to be interesting, enough detail to be realistic, and characters I wanted to see succeed. A pleasant read.
June 1, 2022
I loved the first chapter but found the rest of the first half of the book a tough read as I stopped enjoying the story line. The second half I really enjoyed, so I was glad I read it through to the end. The second half incorporates more story lines for more characters, or at least enriches and expands upon them, thus making it much more interesting.
August 3, 2024
This book was way too long and moved way too slowly. I hated reading Ludolph’s point of view. It was gross. I wanted more of the second sisters story. I hated the weird epilogue at the end. We spent forever reading about every detail of their lives just for some sort of summed up chapter on the past several years.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews