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The Creation of Eve
It's 1559. A young woman painter is given the honor of traveling to Michelangelo's Roman workshop to learn from the Maestro himself. Only men are allowed to draw the naked figure, so she can merely observe from afar the lush works of art that Michelangelo sculpts and paints from life. Sheltered and yet gifted with extraordinary talent, she yearns to capture all that life and beauty in her own art. But after a scandal involving one of Michelangelo's students, she flees Rome and fears she has doomed herself and her family.
The Creation of Eve is a riveting novel based on the true but little- known story of Sofonisba Anguissola, the first renowned female artist of the Renaissance. After Sofi's flight from Rome, her family eagerly accepts an invitation from fearsome King Felipe II of Spain for her to become lady-in-waiting and painting instructor to his young bride. The Spanish court is a nest of intrigue and gossip, where a whiff of impropriety can bring ruin. Hopelessly bound by the rules and restrictions of her position, Sofi yearns only to paint. And yet the young Queen needs Sofi's help in other matters- inexperiences as she is, the Queen not only fails to catch the King's eye, but she fails to give him an heir, both of which are crimes that could result in her banishment. Sofi guides her in how best to win the heart of the King, but the Queen is too young, and too romantic, to be satisfied. Soon, Sofi becomes embroiled in a love triangle involving the Queen, the King, and the King's illegitimate half brother, Don Juan. And if the crime of displeasing the King is banishment, the crime of cuckolding him must surely be death.
Combining art, drama, and history from the Golden Age of Spain, The Creation of Eve is an expansive, original, and addictively entertaining novel that asks the Can you ever truly know another person's heart?
The Creation of Eve is a riveting novel based on the true but little- known story of Sofonisba Anguissola, the first renowned female artist of the Renaissance. After Sofi's flight from Rome, her family eagerly accepts an invitation from fearsome King Felipe II of Spain for her to become lady-in-waiting and painting instructor to his young bride. The Spanish court is a nest of intrigue and gossip, where a whiff of impropriety can bring ruin. Hopelessly bound by the rules and restrictions of her position, Sofi yearns only to paint. And yet the young Queen needs Sofi's help in other matters- inexperiences as she is, the Queen not only fails to catch the King's eye, but she fails to give him an heir, both of which are crimes that could result in her banishment. Sofi guides her in how best to win the heart of the King, but the Queen is too young, and too romantic, to be satisfied. Soon, Sofi becomes embroiled in a love triangle involving the Queen, the King, and the King's illegitimate half brother, Don Juan. And if the crime of displeasing the King is banishment, the crime of cuckolding him must surely be death.
Combining art, drama, and history from the Golden Age of Spain, The Creation of Eve is an expansive, original, and addictively entertaining novel that asks the Can you ever truly know another person's heart?
392 pages, Hardcover
First published January 25, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
May 20, 2010
Entertaining to read. I loved reading about the Spanish court. I thought the convergance of issues -- the protestant reformation, the inquisition, the morality of the court, the complexity of the relationship were all very interesting to read.
My main problem was this -- I know that in historical fiction liberties are taken -- but I took exception with the one main liberty that the author uses as the central point to the whole plot-- and it is in the first 20 pages of the book -- that Sofi -- the artist who studied under Michaelangelo and signed all her paintings Sofi, the virgin -- was not a virgin.
That just seemed like she was "sullying" the true facts of Sofi's life. Dirtying her reputation at a time in history where your sexual status was the crux of your reputation. If the author had any evidence at all of an improper sexual relationship then I could see including it in your historical fiction, but when no such evidence is presented well it just didn't sit well with me.
An equally interesting story could have been told preserving Sofi's virtue -- and I feel should have. Think of how intriguing Anne Bolyn is for not immediately sleeping with Henry VIII.
If Sofi -- felt so proud of her virtue that she signed her paintings recognising it -- then how can a writer in good conscience make her out to be less than that -- to me it is taking historical fiction too far.
And so I had to ask myself, WHY???? and I think she did it to make the character Sofi appeal more to the "loose" morality of readers of today. But it had the opposite affect on me. If you are going to do historical fiction, I think you need to be true to the time period. And actually value what they valued.
I just felt like 21st century morality was superimposed on a 16th century time.
My main problem was this -- I know that in historical fiction liberties are taken -- but I took exception with the one main liberty that the author uses as the central point to the whole plot-- and it is in the first 20 pages of the book -- that Sofi -- the artist who studied under Michaelangelo and signed all her paintings Sofi, the virgin -- was not a virgin.
That just seemed like she was "sullying" the true facts of Sofi's life. Dirtying her reputation at a time in history where your sexual status was the crux of your reputation. If the author had any evidence at all of an improper sexual relationship then I could see including it in your historical fiction, but when no such evidence is presented well it just didn't sit well with me.
An equally interesting story could have been told preserving Sofi's virtue -- and I feel should have. Think of how intriguing Anne Bolyn is for not immediately sleeping with Henry VIII.
If Sofi -- felt so proud of her virtue that she signed her paintings recognising it -- then how can a writer in good conscience make her out to be less than that -- to me it is taking historical fiction too far.
And so I had to ask myself, WHY???? and I think she did it to make the character Sofi appeal more to the "loose" morality of readers of today. But it had the opposite affect on me. If you are going to do historical fiction, I think you need to be true to the time period. And actually value what they valued.
I just felt like 21st century morality was superimposed on a 16th century time.
January 29, 2018
The book weaves a story of the first renowned female artist of the Renaissance, Sofonisba Anguissola. She is given an honor to learn from Michaelangelo, where at his studio she meets a young artist Tiberio Calcagni. Their love story is very brief.
An event occurs sending Sofonisba back home, where she gets a request to become a lady-in-waiting and painting instructor to young bride, Elisabeth, to King Felipe II of Spain.
Until the moment, when she arrives at the Spanish court the story is about her. Once at the Spanish court the story turns to be the story of the young Spanish Queen rather than the artist.
Overall, the story is interesting and well-written. The book is written in the first-person and the thoughts of the artist are very vivid.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I am very impressed with her writing skills. I’m looking forward to reading her other books.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
An event occurs sending Sofonisba back home, where she gets a request to become a lady-in-waiting and painting instructor to young bride, Elisabeth, to King Felipe II of Spain.
Until the moment, when she arrives at the Spanish court the story is about her. Once at the Spanish court the story turns to be the story of the young Spanish Queen rather than the artist.
Overall, the story is interesting and well-written. The book is written in the first-person and the thoughts of the artist are very vivid.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I am very impressed with her writing skills. I’m looking forward to reading her other books.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
January 12, 2022
Based on the true, but little known, story of the first renowned female artist during the Renaissance period, this is a captivating work of historical fiction. Sofonisba Anguisola (Sofi) studied under Michelangelo, though, as a woman, she was not allowed to draw the naked figure. Still, her reputation garnered her an invitation from King Felipe II of Spain to join his court as a drawing instructor for his young bride, Elisabeth of Valois, the daughter of King Henri II of France and his wife, Catherine de’ Medici.
I knew nothing about this extraordinary woman, and only a little about the court of King Felipe II. I had not realized the extent of his empire or how very powerful he was. I also was unaware of his relationship to the infamous Don Juan.
Cullen crafts a compelling story that includes intrigue, romance, mystery, politics and the frustration felt by a woman shackled by society’s conventions. Sofi is a strong woman: intelligent, observant, loyal, talented, and determined to live her own life. Her role in the novel, however, is mostly as observer to what is going on in the court, especially in regard to Elizabeth and her flirtations with Felipe’s son, Don Carlos, and with Don Juan.
The author’s notes at the end include more information about Sofonisba herself. I want to look up all her paintings now.
I knew nothing about this extraordinary woman, and only a little about the court of King Felipe II. I had not realized the extent of his empire or how very powerful he was. I also was unaware of his relationship to the infamous Don Juan.
Cullen crafts a compelling story that includes intrigue, romance, mystery, politics and the frustration felt by a woman shackled by society’s conventions. Sofi is a strong woman: intelligent, observant, loyal, talented, and determined to live her own life. Her role in the novel, however, is mostly as observer to what is going on in the court, especially in regard to Elizabeth and her flirtations with Felipe’s son, Don Carlos, and with Don Juan.
The author’s notes at the end include more information about Sofonisba herself. I want to look up all her paintings now.
February 18, 2010
This book had plenty of elements that I should have liked - a Renaissance setting, a female painter in a time when it was a rarity, the intrigues of a royal court. Instead, I found myself more and more frustrated with this book.
I never really warmed up to the character of Sofonisba. In the beginning when she muses on the lot of women made her just a touch too self-aware and too 20th century for me. And then for a supposedly clever woman she just doesn't act very intelligently.
Overall the plot arc of this novel disappointed me. Sofi is always miserable and ends miserable. The Queen is miserable. The King is miserable. Ugh. It was frustrating because there wasn't much of a story per se.
The author gives an afterword about the real Sofi's life and that sounds so much more interesting that what we actually got.
I never really warmed up to the character of Sofonisba. In the beginning when she muses on the lot of women made her just a touch too self-aware and too 20th century for me. And then for a supposedly clever woman she just doesn't act very intelligently.
Overall the plot arc of this novel disappointed me. Sofi is always miserable and ends miserable. The Queen is miserable. The King is miserable. Ugh. It was frustrating because there wasn't much of a story per se.
The author gives an afterword about the real Sofi's life and that sounds so much more interesting that what we actually got.
May 8, 2010
This reminded me a lot of The Other Boleyn Girl, except I actually ended up liking this better. (High praise indeed, because I LOVED TOBG.)
Sofi is sent to the Spanish King's court to be a lady-in-waiting for his new wife after a little indiscretion. Sofi (actually a real person) was a painter of some renown; she trained under Michelangelo (which ended up being maybe not so great, since this was the time he was considered a heretic and also discovered to be gay).
There's a love story and a lot of palace intrigue--it's just an incredibly fun story. And Sofi is fantastic. She's a woman in the 1500s who paints as well as a man and who's been educated well beyond what women were allowed. She's a kickass heroine.
You can tell that Lynn Cullen did a lot of research into Sofi and into the time period, but at the same time, it doesn't bog down the narrative. That's an incredibly fine line to walk.
Lynn Cullen's compared to Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir and Sarah Dunant. If that's not enough to get you to want this book, seriously I don't know what will.
Sofi is sent to the Spanish King's court to be a lady-in-waiting for his new wife after a little indiscretion. Sofi (actually a real person) was a painter of some renown; she trained under Michelangelo (which ended up being maybe not so great, since this was the time he was considered a heretic and also discovered to be gay).
There's a love story and a lot of palace intrigue--it's just an incredibly fun story. And Sofi is fantastic. She's a woman in the 1500s who paints as well as a man and who's been educated well beyond what women were allowed. She's a kickass heroine.
You can tell that Lynn Cullen did a lot of research into Sofi and into the time period, but at the same time, it doesn't bog down the narrative. That's an incredibly fine line to walk.
Lynn Cullen's compared to Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir and Sarah Dunant. If that's not enough to get you to want this book, seriously I don't know what will.
May 6, 2013
Sofonisba Anguissola was one of the first great female painters of the Renaissance, and a truly fascinating woman, so I was immediately interested when I came upon this book, which tells of Sofonisba's time in the court of King Philip II of Spain. However, although it's evident that Lynn Cullen has researched the people and the period extensively, her story failed to capture me. I found it difficult to develop a lot of attachment to the characters, most of whom were very one-note, and quickly tired of Sofi's self-pitying fretting over the intentions of the secret lover she left behind in Rome. For the most part, she's simply an observer, providing the reader with a window onto a royal love triangle that's ultimately not all that interesting.
True, Cullen is does a decent job of drawing the reader into the intrigues of the court, with each chapter dangling new hints of unsavoury secrets, hidden scandal and forbidden love-- but it all ultimately became a bit soapy for my tastes, and by the novel's climax I might have grumbled an "oh, for fuck's sake." If you're looking for an exploration of characters, of the story of Sofonisba Anguissola, of the experience of female artists during the Renaissance... I'd suggest looking elsewhere.
True, Cullen is does a decent job of drawing the reader into the intrigues of the court, with each chapter dangling new hints of unsavoury secrets, hidden scandal and forbidden love-- but it all ultimately became a bit soapy for my tastes, and by the novel's climax I might have grumbled an "oh, for fuck's sake." If you're looking for an exploration of characters, of the story of Sofonisba Anguissola, of the experience of female artists during the Renaissance... I'd suggest looking elsewhere.
June 2, 2009
I LOVE this book. It will be published in March 2010 and I wish it was sooner so everyone could read it now! What a rich world Lynn Cullen creates, and she draws you in from page one. A beautifully written historical novel about Sofonisba Anguissola, a female painter in the Spanish court of Phillip II, it is truly a delight to read! I wouldn't consider myself a fan of historical ficion (I haven't read that much in the genre), but I think this story transcends the genre. I couldn't put it down. Love it.
August 8, 2019
This is a beautifully written Historical Fiction novel about Sofonisba Anguissola- a female artist of the Renaissance who studied under Michelangelo and at King Felipe II of Spain’s request became a lady-in-waiting/painting instructor for his wife. Within this book, you can find romance, mystery, travel, historical facts, treachery, and so much more.
March 23, 2010
There is little reading more intriguing than well done historical fiction. Lynn Cullen raises this genre to new heights with her intriguing, richly visualized THE CREATION OF EVE. Based on the life of the first woman painter to achieve any degree of recognition during the Renaissance, Sofonisba Anguissola, the author transports us to the 16th century courts of Spain and France, each alive with rankling jealousies, harbored dreams, and clever machinations.
As a child of 7 Sofonisba was inspired by a picture of the Madonna and Child in a local church. Borrowing her printer father's quill and paper she drew her own picture. He was so impressed by her talent that he ignored the disdainful laughter of their Cremona neighbors, "A girl taking up a man's craft, and such a dirty one at that. Who is going to marry her now?" In time he chose some of her work and sent it to the Maestro, Michelangelo, who invited her to come to Rome to study. An impossibility for a girl in that day and time, yet it happened to Sofonisba who would become a portraitist because women were not allowed o study "from the nude or from the dissection of a cadaver."
At Michelangelo's studio she met and fell in love with a young sculptor, Tiberio Calcagni. There is a brief moment of coupling, which Sofi fears might ruin not only herself but Tiberio and bring shame to her beloved father. So, when she is invited by the mightiest of rulers, King Philip II of Spain, to teach his 13-year-old wife, Queen Elisabeth, painting and serve as her lady-in-waiting Sofi does not hesitate.
Yet, she is ill prepared for what she finds in the grand palaces of Toledo, Madrid, and Segovia - the animus of the King's sister and a fault-finding condessa who would like nothing better than to see the Queen lose favor. Elisabeth, the daughter of King Henri II of France and Catherine de Medici, is a beauty but rash, and at her then tender age unable to bear children for the King. Philip, a widower and much older than his Queen, wants her total devotion. Add to this mix Don Juan, the king's handsome younger brother, and Don Carlos, his frail, mentally deficient son, both of whom covet Elisabeth.
Thus, while strife abounds at court there are tensions without - in Rome Michelangelo is being investigated by the Inquisition of the Catholic Church for the supposed immorality of his paintings in the Sistine Chapel and his rumored homosexuality. (The Grand Inquisitor's punishments are horrific). Plus, the Protestant Reformation is feared by both Philip and Catherine of France who seeks to wed another daughter to Don Carlos in hopes of even stronger ties between their two countries.
In the midst of all of this Sofi longs for word from Tiberio, attempts to ameliorate the King's sister and the condessa, and keep an ever watchful eye on Elizabeth whom she fears may act impetuously.
With THE CREATION OF EVE Cullen has used history and prodigious research to craft an unforgettable epic, totally absorbing, richly atmospheric. She sensitively portrays the status of women at that time, realistically paints the staggering wealth enjoyed by some as opposed to the deprivation of many, while telling a fascinating story. Somehow Cullen allows us to move in the same circles as Sofi, enjoying feast days , moving among the greats of the art world - Michelangelo, DaVinci, trembling at the thought of the Inquisition, and seeing the onset of the Reformation. An unforgettable pleasure!
As a child of 7 Sofonisba was inspired by a picture of the Madonna and Child in a local church. Borrowing her printer father's quill and paper she drew her own picture. He was so impressed by her talent that he ignored the disdainful laughter of their Cremona neighbors, "A girl taking up a man's craft, and such a dirty one at that. Who is going to marry her now?" In time he chose some of her work and sent it to the Maestro, Michelangelo, who invited her to come to Rome to study. An impossibility for a girl in that day and time, yet it happened to Sofonisba who would become a portraitist because women were not allowed o study "from the nude or from the dissection of a cadaver."
At Michelangelo's studio she met and fell in love with a young sculptor, Tiberio Calcagni. There is a brief moment of coupling, which Sofi fears might ruin not only herself but Tiberio and bring shame to her beloved father. So, when she is invited by the mightiest of rulers, King Philip II of Spain, to teach his 13-year-old wife, Queen Elisabeth, painting and serve as her lady-in-waiting Sofi does not hesitate.
Yet, she is ill prepared for what she finds in the grand palaces of Toledo, Madrid, and Segovia - the animus of the King's sister and a fault-finding condessa who would like nothing better than to see the Queen lose favor. Elisabeth, the daughter of King Henri II of France and Catherine de Medici, is a beauty but rash, and at her then tender age unable to bear children for the King. Philip, a widower and much older than his Queen, wants her total devotion. Add to this mix Don Juan, the king's handsome younger brother, and Don Carlos, his frail, mentally deficient son, both of whom covet Elisabeth.
Thus, while strife abounds at court there are tensions without - in Rome Michelangelo is being investigated by the Inquisition of the Catholic Church for the supposed immorality of his paintings in the Sistine Chapel and his rumored homosexuality. (The Grand Inquisitor's punishments are horrific). Plus, the Protestant Reformation is feared by both Philip and Catherine of France who seeks to wed another daughter to Don Carlos in hopes of even stronger ties between their two countries.
In the midst of all of this Sofi longs for word from Tiberio, attempts to ameliorate the King's sister and the condessa, and keep an ever watchful eye on Elizabeth whom she fears may act impetuously.
With THE CREATION OF EVE Cullen has used history and prodigious research to craft an unforgettable epic, totally absorbing, richly atmospheric. She sensitively portrays the status of women at that time, realistically paints the staggering wealth enjoyed by some as opposed to the deprivation of many, while telling a fascinating story. Somehow Cullen allows us to move in the same circles as Sofi, enjoying feast days , moving among the greats of the art world - Michelangelo, DaVinci, trembling at the thought of the Inquisition, and seeing the onset of the Reformation. An unforgettable pleasure!
February 27, 2017
I believe this was my first read of a historical novel about royalty. The Creation of Eve takes place in the 1500s, primarily in Spain. The novel is told in the voice of Italian Sofonisba Anguissola, an actual painter mentored by Michelangelo, via her diary. Sofi becomes an intimate friend to teenage Elisabeth of Valois, France, after Elisabeth was married to (given to) King Felipe II of Spain. This book is a page-turner. I looked forward to opening it each evening and had to make myself put it down to go to sleep. The drama never stops, and it's so compelling because, as Lynn Cullen explains in her Author's Note, "...The Creation of Eve, while based on a solid foundation of research, is a work of fiction. However, the most fantastical elements of the story tend to be the true ones." If only my high school history teacher could have engaged us with the fascinating relationships and (usually terrible) acts brought to life in this book, I might have stayed awake and learned something!
August 14, 2013
I really liked this book. I loved learning about Sofonisba Anguissola. I looked up a lot of details about the Spanish court while reading and it seems that the author did stay pretty true to history while writing, which is something I love in a historical fiction novel.
These are the reasons that I didn't give this book five stars:
***spoiler alert***
1. Sofi spends almost every waking moment with the Queen, yet there is never any real friendship between the two of them. I find it impossible to believe that they wouldn't have joked and gossiped and chatted like other girlfriends do. I think that an aspect of friendship would have made the character of the Queen seem more human, because to me she felt sort of fake. I wanted to like her, but she just kept falling flat for me. And for one of the main characters in the book, that was a little disappointing.
2. Sofi never ends up with a guy. For all the mooning over Tiberio and then the doctor, I would have liked to see something come of it. (What was the point of the doctor's character, really, if she wasn't going to end up with him?)
3. The ending was rushed. Everything happened so fast and then it was over. I felt like the author just got bored of telling us the story so she wrapped it up as quickly as she could. I did like the author's note at the end, but I wish that she could have put that information into the story. It sounds interesting!
Overall, I really liked this book. It held my attention; there were days when I couldn't wait to get home to read it. I was always wondering what was going to happen next, and I didn't find it predictable. There were quite a few surprises! I recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction!
These are the reasons that I didn't give this book five stars:
***spoiler alert***
1. Sofi spends almost every waking moment with the Queen, yet there is never any real friendship between the two of them. I find it impossible to believe that they wouldn't have joked and gossiped and chatted like other girlfriends do. I think that an aspect of friendship would have made the character of the Queen seem more human, because to me she felt sort of fake. I wanted to like her, but she just kept falling flat for me. And for one of the main characters in the book, that was a little disappointing.
2. Sofi never ends up with a guy. For all the mooning over Tiberio and then the doctor, I would have liked to see something come of it. (What was the point of the doctor's character, really, if she wasn't going to end up with him?)
3. The ending was rushed. Everything happened so fast and then it was over. I felt like the author just got bored of telling us the story so she wrapped it up as quickly as she could. I did like the author's note at the end, but I wish that she could have put that information into the story. It sounds interesting!
Overall, I really liked this book. It held my attention; there were days when I couldn't wait to get home to read it. I was always wondering what was going to happen next, and I didn't find it predictable. There were quite a few surprises! I recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction!
July 15, 2013
This is the one time in my life where I picked a book because of it's cover and it was exactly what I wanted it to be. Ok, it wasn't the cover itself, but scrawled across it was "Enormously Satisfying" - Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants. Sold. I loved Water for Elephants.
Sofonisba "Sofi" Anguissola is a student of Michelangelo when she falls in love with Tibero, her fellow student. After they are caught alone together, Sofi runs home, hoping that he will send for her. Instead, the King of Spain invites Sofi to be lady-in-waiting and painting teacher to his third wife, 15-year-old Catherine de Medici. Sofi quickly becomes Catherine's closest friend and sole confidant, and Sofi helps the young queen to learn how to make Felipe happy. Meanwhile, Felipe's sole child Carlos begins to fall in love with the queen. And the queen has her eye on a courtier...
I am a sucker for good historical fiction and what I will call "tasteful romance novels" and this satisfied my need for a love story with real heart. I loved Sofi, I loved the impetuous queen, and I wanted desperately for them to each get everything they wanted.
Lynn Cullen crafted this book well, weaving dramas and flushing out the facts of history into a beautiful story. I wished that the novel had lasted to a more satisfactory ending, as Cullen unfortunately had to stick to the facts, but only the best books leave you wishing that there were more pages to come.
If you like Philippa Gregory, you will LOVE this book.
Original Review posted at Books I Devour, Books I Savour
Sofonisba "Sofi" Anguissola is a student of Michelangelo when she falls in love with Tibero, her fellow student. After they are caught alone together, Sofi runs home, hoping that he will send for her. Instead, the King of Spain invites Sofi to be lady-in-waiting and painting teacher to his third wife, 15-year-old Catherine de Medici. Sofi quickly becomes Catherine's closest friend and sole confidant, and Sofi helps the young queen to learn how to make Felipe happy. Meanwhile, Felipe's sole child Carlos begins to fall in love with the queen. And the queen has her eye on a courtier...
I am a sucker for good historical fiction and what I will call "tasteful romance novels" and this satisfied my need for a love story with real heart. I loved Sofi, I loved the impetuous queen, and I wanted desperately for them to each get everything they wanted.
Lynn Cullen crafted this book well, weaving dramas and flushing out the facts of history into a beautiful story. I wished that the novel had lasted to a more satisfactory ending, as Cullen unfortunately had to stick to the facts, but only the best books leave you wishing that there were more pages to come.
If you like Philippa Gregory, you will LOVE this book.
Original Review posted at Books I Devour, Books I Savour
December 23, 2009
Really enjoyed this book.
Isn't there something about historical fiction that really allows for fascinating character development and draws you into the story? The story is real, but the author has the freedom to explore controversial events and persona. The Creation of Eve (CE) was just that sort of captivating book. We have traveled various parts of Europe on family vacations with the typical American fascination with the whole concept of kings, queens and other historical persons. CE fed that intrigue as well as portraying women in a male dominated society.
This is not a book I would typically have read, but after seeing Sara Gruen's complementary comments, tracking down an advanced copy, I uncharacteristically read the entire book in a couple of sittings. The character development is well done, and suspect it's only a matter of time 'til it's made into a screen play.
The use of Sofonisba's journal was an intriguing way to accommodate the long time span, although there were instances where the gaps caused me pause to tie some loose ends together.
I look forward to our next vacation in Spain...reading The Creation of Eve has aroused my curiosity for the history, its peoples and places.
I really appreciated Cullen's "Author's Notes!" What a nice way to fill us in on the history and ongoing debates that she and other historians carry on even to this day.
I might also suggest a family tree, of the characters, be included as an appendix for keeping tack of half brother, step son's, etc for those of us that are somewhat memory challenged.
Isn't there something about historical fiction that really allows for fascinating character development and draws you into the story? The story is real, but the author has the freedom to explore controversial events and persona. The Creation of Eve (CE) was just that sort of captivating book. We have traveled various parts of Europe on family vacations with the typical American fascination with the whole concept of kings, queens and other historical persons. CE fed that intrigue as well as portraying women in a male dominated society.
This is not a book I would typically have read, but after seeing Sara Gruen's complementary comments, tracking down an advanced copy, I uncharacteristically read the entire book in a couple of sittings. The character development is well done, and suspect it's only a matter of time 'til it's made into a screen play.
The use of Sofonisba's journal was an intriguing way to accommodate the long time span, although there were instances where the gaps caused me pause to tie some loose ends together.
I look forward to our next vacation in Spain...reading The Creation of Eve has aroused my curiosity for the history, its peoples and places.
I really appreciated Cullen's "Author's Notes!" What a nice way to fill us in on the history and ongoing debates that she and other historians carry on even to this day.
I might also suggest a family tree, of the characters, be included as an appendix for keeping tack of half brother, step son's, etc for those of us that are somewhat memory challenged.
October 30, 2017
I had never heard of Sofonisba Anguissola, or known that there was any woman considered a Renaissance painter of any stature, so I began this book with anticipation.
It starts out well enough with a lively incident, and then nothing much happens for about 300 pages. The characters dine, take walks and carriage rides, and exchange cryptic glances and comments intended to suggest conflict and create tension. Unfortunately, that's all they do - suggest. The last fifty or so pages pick up a bit, but overall reading it was a slog. Most of the characters never really come to life, and the pace seems to mirror the slow and mostly boring pace of life when the most interesting event of the week was going to church.
The writing is literate and that, besides the feeling that there was an interesting story here somewhere kept me reading. One detail kept bothering me until I finally looked it up. At the beginning of the book, Sofonisba talks about the Mona Lisa as if she had seen it. I knew somehow that the painting had gone to France with Leonardo, and I wondered how she could have seen it? It seems odd that a book focused almost entirely on minutiae would make an error like that, but the dates don't match. It had been painted and gone to France well before she was born in Italy, nor does she seem to have traveled there.
The most damning thing I can say about this novel is that the historical notes at the end are far more interesting than the tale told by the author. Sofonisba did have an interesting life - there's just too little of it reflected in this book
It starts out well enough with a lively incident, and then nothing much happens for about 300 pages. The characters dine, take walks and carriage rides, and exchange cryptic glances and comments intended to suggest conflict and create tension. Unfortunately, that's all they do - suggest. The last fifty or so pages pick up a bit, but overall reading it was a slog. Most of the characters never really come to life, and the pace seems to mirror the slow and mostly boring pace of life when the most interesting event of the week was going to church.
The writing is literate and that, besides the feeling that there was an interesting story here somewhere kept me reading. One detail kept bothering me until I finally looked it up. At the beginning of the book, Sofonisba talks about the Mona Lisa as if she had seen it. I knew somehow that the painting had gone to France with Leonardo, and I wondered how she could have seen it? It seems odd that a book focused almost entirely on minutiae would make an error like that, but the dates don't match. It had been painted and gone to France well before she was born in Italy, nor does she seem to have traveled there.
The most damning thing I can say about this novel is that the historical notes at the end are far more interesting than the tale told by the author. Sofonisba did have an interesting life - there's just too little of it reflected in this book
October 21, 2019
“Every heart has its own ache.”
If you haven’t read any of the novels of the brilliant author Lynn Cullen, then you’re missing out on a lot!
As one of the prominent writers of historical fiction, she creates mesmerizing stories in a time period, around famous artists or authors of the time.
In “The Creation of Eve”, we go back to 16th century and start working on Michelangelo’s masterpiece. The story is told from the viewpoint of the renaissance painter Sofonisba Anguissola, who was
then under the tutorship of the the great artist. We witness from the perspective of women, the controversial events of the time with references to the inquisition. Without any deliberate attempt, Sofi involves in the life of the majesty, becomes a confidante of the Queen and her simple life turns into a turbulent nightmare, which leads her to escape from everything she loves.
As art becomes a form of self-expression and colors take hold, we see the changes in the daily life of Sofi while the beautiful ceiling fresco forms into life by the renowned Maestro.
The author’s other novels: “The Twain’s End”, “Mrs. Poe,” “I am Rembrandt’s Daughter”, and “The Reign of Madness” should not be missed if you love the genre.
If you haven’t read any of the novels of the brilliant author Lynn Cullen, then you’re missing out on a lot!
As one of the prominent writers of historical fiction, she creates mesmerizing stories in a time period, around famous artists or authors of the time.
In “The Creation of Eve”, we go back to 16th century and start working on Michelangelo’s masterpiece. The story is told from the viewpoint of the renaissance painter Sofonisba Anguissola, who was
then under the tutorship of the the great artist. We witness from the perspective of women, the controversial events of the time with references to the inquisition. Without any deliberate attempt, Sofi involves in the life of the majesty, becomes a confidante of the Queen and her simple life turns into a turbulent nightmare, which leads her to escape from everything she loves.
As art becomes a form of self-expression and colors take hold, we see the changes in the daily life of Sofi while the beautiful ceiling fresco forms into life by the renowned Maestro.
The author’s other novels: “The Twain’s End”, “Mrs. Poe,” “I am Rembrandt’s Daughter”, and “The Reign of Madness” should not be missed if you love the genre.
October 26, 2015
Oh, sad. So disappointed.
I expected to love this author and this book: art,. Renaissance, feminism, Michelangelo, Italy, Spain... Based on a true story. Just my cup of tea. But... the author has chosen a soap opera rather than a deep historical fiction novel. But even the soap was not dynamic. The characters (all real folks)had inspired the likes of Schiller and Verdi (Don Carlos) but were pale ghosts in this novel.
The leading lady had an amazing long life in 16th century, one of the very few women artists, studied with Michelangelo, painted Spanish royalty, married twice, supported artists in her old age. But here she is a mere spectator of a court intrigue, which did not even feel terribly "intriguing". Seriously, a Wikipedia article about Sofonisba Anguissola is more interesting than this novel. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sofonis...
I expected to love this author and this book: art,. Renaissance, feminism, Michelangelo, Italy, Spain... Based on a true story. Just my cup of tea. But... the author has chosen a soap opera rather than a deep historical fiction novel. But even the soap was not dynamic. The characters (all real folks)had inspired the likes of Schiller and Verdi (Don Carlos) but were pale ghosts in this novel.
The leading lady had an amazing long life in 16th century, one of the very few women artists, studied with Michelangelo, painted Spanish royalty, married twice, supported artists in her old age. But here she is a mere spectator of a court intrigue, which did not even feel terribly "intriguing". Seriously, a Wikipedia article about Sofonisba Anguissola is more interesting than this novel. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sofonis...
July 2, 2010
I was kind of excited about this book for it deals with one of the first female Renaissance artists and her story. She apprencticed in real life under Michelanglo (sic) but went to the Spanish Royal Court in the 1580s to be a painting instructor to the then teenage Queen. This novel turned out to be too much about the Spanish Court and all the intrigues that happen therein. There was not enough about the woman artist though it must be acknowledged there is so little known about her and her work - because she was a woman, she was not allowed to sign her work. So as you can imagine, it's a bit hard to track her story.
Want to read
March 18, 2013Well-written historical fiction is always a pleasure, but when it reveals to us an unfamiliar chapter in history it rises to a higher level. In this wonderfully rich and page-turning novel, the author introduces us to Sofonisba Anguissola, a 16th-century Italian woman who was one of the most highly regarded portrait painters of her time. Lynn cullen pays particular attention to the years Anguissola spent as instructor and lady-in-waiting to the Spanish queen Elisabeth de Valois. Excellent fun.
October 5, 2010
I really loved this book. I found it very difficult to put down. It is about the life of talented female painter during the Renaissance period. The novel is beautiful woven with many themes such as court intrigue, the Inquisition, Michelangelo, discoveries from the new world and much more.
June 16, 2013
I love the development of the characters so far! This books allows you to get into the heads and hearts of the main characters and you feel how they feel. I recommend this, it is a quick read and great for lovers of historical fiction.
May 28, 2013
Fascinating story with some of my favorite things to read about--history, art, and court life--all rolled up into one. I want to read more by Lynn Cullen!
July 5, 2013
Interesting story of a historical figure often lost in the accounts of the era. Very readable and engaging.
August 22, 2022
This novel was exquisite, and all the more delightful because it was largely true. The main character was a real-life female artist of the Renaissance: Sofonisba Anguissola. How have I never heard of her?! She studied briefly under Michelangelo, and the novel's title borrows from a Sistene panel. Educational and enjoyable: highly recommend.
Lynn Cullen does not shy away from illuminating the European patriarchy of the time for the warmongering/classmongering/women-as-chattel system that is was. Even Queen Elisabetha, daughter of Henri II and the maniacal (perhaps for good reason?) Catherine de Medici, for all her grace and beauty and character, is beloved by Philip II of Spain for the children he could "get upon her" and for the treaty with France that she symbolized. No woman of the time is free to pursue true love; that pursuit only leads to tragic end. Similarly, the novel explores Michelangelo's supposed homosexuality as well as the Church's reaction, including a historically factual proposal to destroy the Sistene art.
So much research was put into the book, yet it reads like a novel. Palace intrigue, artistic longing, political maneuvering, friendships and rivals, the story does not disappoint! There was a romantic moment that brought me chills.
I Googled constantly while reading this book... to see the artwork described, to find portraits of the characters, and to find out their historical outcomes. (Sofonisba lived into her 90s!) One such Google event led me down a rabbit hole to discover a princess with an eyepatch(!) named Ana de Mendoza, Princess of Eboli.
While sticking with the facts, the book leaves open-ended whether the King really poisoned his enemies and rivals, letting it suffice that he would have had the means and the unquestionable authority to do so.
Three themes carry through the book: freedom vs. gilded cage, courtly love (i.e. chaste desire) vs. fulfillment of desire, destiny and whether obstacles become part of that destiny.
Lynn Cullen does not shy away from illuminating the European patriarchy of the time for the warmongering/classmongering/women-as-chattel system that is was. Even Queen Elisabetha, daughter of Henri II and the maniacal (perhaps for good reason?) Catherine de Medici, for all her grace and beauty and character, is beloved by Philip II of Spain for the children he could "get upon her" and for the treaty with France that she symbolized. No woman of the time is free to pursue true love; that pursuit only leads to tragic end. Similarly, the novel explores Michelangelo's supposed homosexuality as well as the Church's reaction, including a historically factual proposal to destroy the Sistene art.
So much research was put into the book, yet it reads like a novel. Palace intrigue, artistic longing, political maneuvering, friendships and rivals, the story does not disappoint! There was a romantic moment that brought me chills.
I Googled constantly while reading this book... to see the artwork described, to find portraits of the characters, and to find out their historical outcomes. (Sofonisba lived into her 90s!) One such Google event led me down a rabbit hole to discover a princess with an eyepatch(!) named Ana de Mendoza, Princess of Eboli.
While sticking with the facts, the book leaves open-ended whether the King really poisoned his enemies and rivals, letting it suffice that he would have had the means and the unquestionable authority to do so.
Three themes carry through the book: freedom vs. gilded cage, courtly love (i.e. chaste desire) vs. fulfillment of desire, destiny and whether obstacles become part of that destiny.
January 10, 2023
A work meant to focus on the innermost thoughts of Sofonisba Anguissola, the first great and renowned female renaissance painter, instead turned out to be a preening, soapy, flat portrayal of a royal love triangle that had nothing to do with the artist in the first place.
Sofi has an incredibly fascinating and captivating story by her own right. I would be much more interested in reading about her rise to acclaim, her relationships with other famous painters like Van Eyck and Rubens, her later marriages (in particular her last which sounds like true, simpering love- one in which I can believe in), her theories on art and portraiture in particular, her difficulties with being a woman in a decidedly unwelcome world, and even her childhood growing up amongst an intellectual and seemingly loving father who cultivated her talent and that of her other artistically leaning siblings. Doesn’t this sound captivating?
Much of the above was actually pulled from this book, but mostly from the authors note which more fully explains what was fictionalized and what was truth. I appreciated how she filled in the gaps with fiction when it came to the royal story- and I loved learning about the Spanish court under King Felipe, which I know very little about, and if it had been a book about them with a lady in waiting as an observer, count me in. As it stands, this was supposed to be about Sofi and I found her personality to be lacking and fully focused on the lives of others, be it the queen she served, the king she needed, or this “lover” who eventually dies and who she doesn’t seem to historically have any romantic relationship with. If she wanted to honor this artist, why not fill in the gaps with fiction and follow her throughout her long and illustrious life, rather than create this frothy fictionalized version of the Spanish king and queen? And don’t even get me started on the ending.
Overall, disappointed because her life seems incredibly interesting and I would read a story of it with fiction filling the gaps. But this wasn’t it. And her constant pitying remarks of herself and her out of place theories of female empowerment when juxtaposed with who she seemed to be and represent in real life was strange and, frankly, annoying to read.
Sofi has an incredibly fascinating and captivating story by her own right. I would be much more interested in reading about her rise to acclaim, her relationships with other famous painters like Van Eyck and Rubens, her later marriages (in particular her last which sounds like true, simpering love- one in which I can believe in), her theories on art and portraiture in particular, her difficulties with being a woman in a decidedly unwelcome world, and even her childhood growing up amongst an intellectual and seemingly loving father who cultivated her talent and that of her other artistically leaning siblings. Doesn’t this sound captivating?
Much of the above was actually pulled from this book, but mostly from the authors note which more fully explains what was fictionalized and what was truth. I appreciated how she filled in the gaps with fiction when it came to the royal story- and I loved learning about the Spanish court under King Felipe, which I know very little about, and if it had been a book about them with a lady in waiting as an observer, count me in. As it stands, this was supposed to be about Sofi and I found her personality to be lacking and fully focused on the lives of others, be it the queen she served, the king she needed, or this “lover” who eventually dies and who she doesn’t seem to historically have any romantic relationship with. If she wanted to honor this artist, why not fill in the gaps with fiction and follow her throughout her long and illustrious life, rather than create this frothy fictionalized version of the Spanish king and queen? And don’t even get me started on the ending.
Overall, disappointed because her life seems incredibly interesting and I would read a story of it with fiction filling the gaps. But this wasn’t it. And her constant pitying remarks of herself and her out of place theories of female empowerment when juxtaposed with who she seemed to be and represent in real life was strange and, frankly, annoying to read.
July 21, 2020
A friend gave this book to me as a gift, so I read it out of appreciation. I should make it clear that I am not a fan of romance novels, especially if it is a fictionalized version of history.
The story starts out fine when it took place in Rome with Anguissola's interactions with Michelangelo and her experiences in the art world. I also particularly loved her interaction with her family, especially her father and Francesca.
But when she settled into the Spanish Court, it is almost as if Anguissola becomes an afterthought. I was constantly reminding myself that she was the main character because she was overshadowed by the Queen. I was particularly bothered by her obsession with Tiberio (and then suddenly Dr. Debruyne for some reason?) and her discomfort towards her job. Reading up on her, she does not strike me to be that type of woman.
I will admit, I had never heard of Sofonisba Anguissola before reading this book. Many times, I stopped reading to search the Internet, historical pages and websites to learn more about this fascinating woman. So, I appreciate being introduced to her, and I loved all references towards her paintings. I also understand and can appreciate what the author was trying to do with her life story and portraying the restricted roles of woman during the Renaissance. Some of the most interesting parts were the tidbits of history - and historical sexism - at the start of each chapter.
Unfortunately, it also fueled my own distaste since I preferred learning about Anguissola's real life , and that of the other characters. I became constantly bothered by the historical inaccuracies, conspiracy theories, and soft porn involving a fourteen-fifteen year old girl and a thirty year old man (though part of me thinks that was the point).
I do, however, acknowledge that this genre is not for me and I do not hate that I have read it. I would recommend this book to historical-romance lovers, but I also would encourage them to read up on a little history as well.
The story starts out fine when it took place in Rome with Anguissola's interactions with Michelangelo and her experiences in the art world. I also particularly loved her interaction with her family, especially her father and Francesca.
But when she settled into the Spanish Court, it is almost as if Anguissola becomes an afterthought. I was constantly reminding myself that she was the main character because she was overshadowed by the Queen. I was particularly bothered by her obsession with Tiberio (and then suddenly Dr. Debruyne for some reason?) and her discomfort towards her job. Reading up on her, she does not strike me to be that type of woman.
I will admit, I had never heard of Sofonisba Anguissola before reading this book. Many times, I stopped reading to search the Internet, historical pages and websites to learn more about this fascinating woman. So, I appreciate being introduced to her, and I loved all references towards her paintings. I also understand and can appreciate what the author was trying to do with her life story and portraying the restricted roles of woman during the Renaissance. Some of the most interesting parts were the tidbits of history - and historical sexism - at the start of each chapter.
Unfortunately, it also fueled my own distaste since I preferred learning about Anguissola's real life , and that of the other characters. I became constantly bothered by the historical inaccuracies, conspiracy theories, and soft porn involving a fourteen-fifteen year old girl and a thirty year old man (though part of me thinks that was the point).
I do, however, acknowledge that this genre is not for me and I do not hate that I have read it. I would recommend this book to historical-romance lovers, but I also would encourage them to read up on a little history as well.
February 5, 2018
Sofonisba Anguissola is a real-life female painter from Michelangelo's era. She was actually (possibly) only the female painter to ever study with him. This fictionalized version of her life takes her from Rome and her studies with Michelangelo after an "indiscretion" with another painter. Subsequently she is sent to Spain to be a painting instructor to the new Queen of Spain, Elisabeth of Valois. At this point the story becomes mostly about the young Queen and her rumored flirtation with the Kings half brother, Don Juan. The flirtation/love affair doesn't really come across well, although it's used as the main dramatic point in the book. The book does illustrate that women't lives and bodies weren't their own and it's horrible to contemplate. Well worth reading.
October 3, 2020
I loved this book, though there were a few glitches in the book. It is the story of a woman who lived in Italy during the high Renaissance. She was a painter and ended up being able to work with Michelangelo's studio being trained by him. She eventually is a Lady to the Queen of Spain and her tutor in painting. So many historically famous characters appear in this book. I loved the story line and learned a lot about history and art by reading this book. I found the "item" at the beginning of each chapter a bit off putting simply because they often didn't connect with the story and mostly were not given references, which was irritating. That being said, I really enjoyed the story and would recommend it to others.
November 26, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Had never heard of the first renowned female artist of the Renaissance, Sofonisba Anguissola, who was once a student of Michelangelo. After she is exiled from Rome, to the court of King Philip II of Spain, she becomes a lady in waiting to the king's new young bride, Elisabeth. Richly compelling and satisfying story of family drama, art and politics of the time.
I couldn't put it down.
Looking forward to reading more by this author - have already ordered 'Reign of Madness'!
I couldn't put it down.
Looking forward to reading more by this author - have already ordered 'Reign of Madness'!
January 6, 2021
I'm terribly partial to historical fiction. If you are, too, this is a great read. Particularly if you are partial to art history, it's an excellent read. It's the story of a woman of modest upbringing who apprenticed under Michaelangelo and goes off to serve in the royal court of Spain. It's a wonderful examination of what it meant to be a woman in 16th Century Europe. Of one who has a passion for painting but never finds true fulfillment, or requited love, and lives out her days as an observer to the dramatic and capricious inner lives of those destined to greater roles in history.
July 2, 2019
For a book supposedly about an artist, you would expect more about art, but there was very little of it, despite the main character being a student of Michelangelo. I normally like historical fiction (whether or not based on a real person), but I expect some kind of historical significance or insight into the time period or people. There was little of that here; mostly inane conversation amongst the upper class, and overall just boring.
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