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Painter to the King

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( 317 ratings, 75 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Painter to the King by Amy Sackville explores the elusive and complex relationship between Diego Velázquez, the court painter, and King Philip IV of Spain. Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Golden Age, the novel delves into the artistic and political dynamics of the time, capturing the intricacies and inspirations behind Velázquez's masterpieces. Sackville weaves a narrative that blends historical detail with imaginative insight, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of one of Europe's most celebrated painters.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by historical fiction that explores the intricate relationship between art and politics. The vivid portrayal of life at the Spanish court and the deep dive into the world of Velázquez offers an immersive experience that blends history with rich, evocative prose.

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Painter to the King

A novel of brilliance, imagination, intrigue and style -- about the painter Velazquez and his royal subject and benefactor, King Philip IV of Spain.

A novel of brilliance, imagination, intrigue and style -- about the painter Velazquez and his royal subject and benefactor, King Philip IV of Spain.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This is a portrait of Diego Velázquez, from his arrival at the court of King Philip IV of Spain, to his death 38 years and scores of paintings later.

It is a portrait of a relationship that is not quite a friendship, between an artist and his subject. It is a portrait of a ruler, always on duty, and increasingly burdened by a life of public expectation and repeated private grief. And it is a portrait of a court collapsing under the weight of its own excess.

Unfolding through a series of masterly set-pieces and glancing sketches, this is a novel of brilliance, imagination and sheer style — about what is shown and what is seen, about art and life.

Painter to the King by Amy Sackville captures the essence of this relationship and the historical period with exceptional skill.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Painter to the King by Amy Sackville has been lauded for its evocative prose and deep dive into the life and art of Diego Velázquez at the Spanish court. Reviewers appreciate the novel's intricate weaving of historical fiction while examining the intimate relationship between artist and monarch. Sackville's ability to immerse readers in the vibrant and tumultuous world of 17th-century Spain is often highlighted as a captivating aspect of the book.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781783783922

Publisher: Granta Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 April 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Granta Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 281g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Amy Sackville was born in 1981. She studied English and Theatre Studies at Leeds, and went on to do an MPhil in English at Exeter College, Oxford, and an MA in Creative & Life Writing at Goldsmiths. Her first novel was The Still Point, which was longlisted for the Orange Prize and won the 2010 John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and her second was Orkney, which won a 2014 Somerset Maugham Award. www.amysackville.co.uk

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