A Portrait In Shadow

by Nicole Jarvis

Overview

Enter a sumptuous world of art and magic in 17th-century Florence as Artemisia Gentileschi fights to make her mark as a painter and exact her revenge – perfect for fans of Alix E. Harrow, Elena Ferrante and Susanna Clarke.

When Artemisia Gentileschi arrives in Florence seeking a haven for her art, she faces instant opposition from the powerful Accademia, self-proclaimed gatekeepers of Florence’s magical art world. As artists create their masterpieces, they add layer upon layer of magics drawn from their own life essence, giving each work the power to heal – or to curse. The all-male Accademia jealously guards its power and has no place for an ambitious young woman arriving from Rome under a cloud of scandal.

Haunted by the shadow of her harrowing past and fighting for every commission, Artemisia begins winning allies among luminaries such as Galileo Galilei, the influential Cristina de’ Medici and the charming, wealthy Francesco Maria Maringhi. But not everyone in Florence wants to see Artemisia succeed, and when an incendiary preacher turns his ire from Galileo to the art world, Artemisia must choose between revenge and her dream of creating a legacy that will span the generations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781803362342
Publisher:	Titan
Publication date:	05/02/2023
Pages:	480
Sales rank:	62,388
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.70(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Nicole Jarvis writes historical fantasy novels. A graduate of Emory University with degrees in English and Italian, she lives in Georgia and works in marketing for Penguin Random House. She is the author of The Lights of Prague, A Portrait in Shadow and A Spell for Change. Nicole loves listening to musicals, learning strange histories and thinking about the inner lives of superheroes, and tweets @nicolejarvis.

Editorial Reviews

01/30/2023

Jarvis (The Lights of Prague) centers her belabored second fantasy on historical 17th-century artist Artemisia Gentileschi. The magical conceit is familiar but fascinating: artists enact healing magic by painting their essence into their works. Artemisia herself, however—alone in Florence after her painting tutor raped her and struggling to make her way as a “true painter”—disappoints. Rarely does Jarvis engage with the complexities of the actual Artemisia, paring away events like the painter’s marriage in an apparent attempt to make her story fit more neatly into a #MeToo framework. The resulting character study marinates in Artemisia’s fury against the men who have hurt her and despair when other men are slow to save her—among them Stefano Silvestrini, her first regular patron; Galileo Galilei, an avuncular role model; and eventually the merchant Francesco Maria Maringhi, who becomes both patron and lover—until she’s forced to choose between art and revenge. While Jarvis’s descriptive skill is undeniable, even the lush evocations of Florence come across as jarringly modern. Jarvis succeeds in finding resonance between Artemisia’s story and the modern era, but this simplified reenvisioning is like swapping a portrait for a paper doll. (May)

Publishers Weekly

"A Portrait in Shadow is a thrilling and sparkling reimagining of painter Artemisia Gentileschi’s years in Florence, and Nicole Jarvis deftly takes us inside the life and heart of one of art history’s great masters. Set against a rich magical world as skillfully drawn as one of Gentileschi’s own paintings, this exceptional novel is a testament to the power of art, the historical struggle and resilience of women, and what it can cost an artist to create her work. A Portrait in Shadow is absolutely a new favorite book of mine!" Alyssa Palombo, author of The Most Beautiful Woman in Florence


“A remarkable novel of healing and revenge, A Portrait in Shadow brings new depth to an artist whose story still resonates with us. The astonishing fantastical elements give Artemisia Gentileschi a conduit for her rage towards an injustice that is still all too familiar.” Helen Corcoran, author of Queen of Coin and Whispers


"A deeply feminist story of a woman fighting for who she is in a world run by men... Captivating, striking and passionate" Nadya Mercik for The British Fantasy Society


"The rich and unique setting with a dark and twisted magic will capture the attention of readers who love alternative histories and fantasy novels." - Booklist


"A good choice for fans of historical fiction authors such as Susan Vreeland and Tracy Chevalier." - Library Journal


"Artemisia’s determination catches you on the first page and doesn’t let you go. A joy to read!" Fortean Times

From the Publisher

01/01/2023

Jarvis (The Lights of Prague) jumps right into the action with this dark historical fantasy novel featuring 17th-century painter Artemisia Gentileschi. Reeling after the trial of her rapist in Rome, Artemisia begins a new life in Florence. She is determined to succeed as an artist at all costs and gain entry into the famed Accademia delle Arti della Magica, where only men have ever been members. Artemisia's magical skills allow her to imbue paintings with healing power, much in demand in a post-plague society. But instead of saving lives, she plans to use her powers to get revenge on her rapist. Can friends like Galileo convince her otherwise, before she destroys herself? VERDICT Jarvis brings the city of Florence to life, including many of its well-known residents. However, fantasy readers will wish she had spent more time building the magical aspects of her world. A good choice for fans of historical fiction authors such as Susan Vreeland and Tracy Chevalier.—Laurel Bliss

Library Journal