Lady in Ermine: The Story of a Woman Who Painted the Renaissance. A Biographical Novel

She wasn’t content to merely marry or become a nun.

She was one of the most successful female artists of the Renaissance, yet you likely don’t know her name.

Michelangelo and Vasari praised her talent.

Sofonisba Anguissola was an incredibly talented woman who defied the conventions of her time. Her aristocratic father was mocked for letting her do so, yet he believed she had a mind as well as a soul and helped her pursue her dreams as she becomes a court painter.

If you love historical fiction, Italy, art, and the Renaissance, The Lady in Ermine by Donna DiGiuseppe will make your heart sing. This is a tale of court intrigue, family drama, politics, art, and romance too. Walk into the Spanish and Medici courts and rediscover the life and times of a lady artist whose story was almost lost to time.

Vivid and compelling, Lady in Ermine draws readers into a complicated web of well-formed characters. One would never know that DiGiuseppe is a debut author; her work is so well-researched, organized, thorough, and imaginative. And despite taking place in the 1500s, Sofonisba feels contemporary and relatable. As a reader, I can’t help but research and learn more about the life and times of this remarkable lady. I think that’s the effect the very best historical fiction has upon its audience. Well done, Donna DiGiuseppe!