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Signora da Vinci
Novelist Robin Maxwell delves into the life of Caterina--the adventurer, alchemist, and mother of Leonardo da Vinci.
Caterina was fifteen years old in 1452 when she bore an illegitimate child in the tiny village of Vinci. His name was Leonardo, and he was destined to change the world forever.
Caterina suffered much cruelty as an unmarried mother and had no recourse when her boy was taken away from her. But no one knew the secrets of her own childhood, nor could ever have imagined the dangerous and heretical scheme she would devise to protect and watch over her remarkable son. This is her story.
Caterina was fifteen years old in 1452 when she bore an illegitimate child in the tiny village of Vinci. His name was Leonardo, and he was destined to change the world forever.
Caterina suffered much cruelty as an unmarried mother and had no recourse when her boy was taken away from her. But no one knew the secrets of her own childhood, nor could ever have imagined the dangerous and heretical scheme she would devise to protect and watch over her remarkable son. This is her story.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
114 people are currently reading
5991 people want to read
About the author
Robin Maxwell
28 books393 followersRobin Maxwell began writing novels about the historical figures she had been obsessing about since graduating from Tufts University with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Her first novel, "The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn," now in its 24th printing, won two YA awards and has been translated into fourteen languages. "The Wild Irish" - an epic tale of Ireland's rebel queen, Grace O'Malley - closed out her Elizabethan Quartet, and is now in development for a television series. "Signora Da Vinci" and "Jane: The Woman Who loved Tarzan" are tales of the remarkable women behind two of the world's most beloved wildmen - Maestro Leonardo and Lord Greystoke. She has jumped genres again with "ATLANTOS," now a #1 Amazon Bestseller. Robin lives with her husband of thirty-five years, Max Thomas, at High Desert Eden, a wildlife sanctuary in the Mojave Desert.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
September 18, 2018
Set in 15th century mostly Florence, this is a story of Leonardo da Vinci’s mother. There is very little known about her and what is known is based on assumptions.
Caterina is a daughter of an alchemist/apothecary. She is taught about medicinal properties of herbs and processes of alchemy. An up-and-coming young notary pursues her, but without approval of his family they can’t marry. She gives birth to illegitimate child Leonardo da Vinci, who is snatched from her right after the birth. As a mother aching to feed her child, she convinces da Vinci’s family to be a wet-nurse.
When Leonardo reaches the age of 13, he is apprenticed at Verrocchio’s studio in Florence and mother and son are separated. With time, she realizes that she can’t bear being apart from her son and disguises herself as a man and opens an apothecary in Florence.
On her first day in Florence, she meets Lorenzo de Medici. She gets to meet the whole family of Medici, dines with them and even a close relationship develops with one of them. This part is very far-fetched. However, overall, it is a very absorbing story, rich in historical details.
The author paints well the atmosphere of inquisition, its horrors and affects it takes on people. The history of Medici fills probably half of the book. Nevertheless, it doesn’t overbear the story. It makes it even more interesting.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
Caterina is a daughter of an alchemist/apothecary. She is taught about medicinal properties of herbs and processes of alchemy. An up-and-coming young notary pursues her, but without approval of his family they can’t marry. She gives birth to illegitimate child Leonardo da Vinci, who is snatched from her right after the birth. As a mother aching to feed her child, she convinces da Vinci’s family to be a wet-nurse.
When Leonardo reaches the age of 13, he is apprenticed at Verrocchio’s studio in Florence and mother and son are separated. With time, she realizes that she can’t bear being apart from her son and disguises herself as a man and opens an apothecary in Florence.
On her first day in Florence, she meets Lorenzo de Medici. She gets to meet the whole family of Medici, dines with them and even a close relationship develops with one of them. This part is very far-fetched. However, overall, it is a very absorbing story, rich in historical details.
The author paints well the atmosphere of inquisition, its horrors and affects it takes on people. The history of Medici fills probably half of the book. Nevertheless, it doesn’t overbear the story. It makes it even more interesting.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
April 18, 2010
What a little gem this book is. I stumbled upon it in the library; I was drawn to the title and the cover painting. I had never heard of the author, but I thought, "Why not?" I am so glad I brought this book home! I love historical fiction, and this book is a prime example of historical fiction done well. I especially love this time period (15th century) and location (Italy). The author has weaved an incredibly rich story around a woman about whom very little is actually known. Two facts are known about Leonardo da Vinci's mother: her name was Caterina, and Leonardo was taken from her the day after his birth to be brought up a bastard in the home of his paternal grandfather. More is known about Leonardo's father, and the author deduced that Leonardo's creativity, genius, and unique world view must have come from his mother, as his father possessed no similar qualities. This book is extensively researched, and the author melds the many characters and events (both real and imagined) together quite well. My only suggestion for improvement would be to offer dates on the chapter headings, as it was not often clear where we were in time. Sometimes, it seemed questionable that the timing was correct, e.g. it seemed like Lorenzo de' Medici's children were older than they should have been at certain points, knowing that they were born after Caterina went to Florence. But, this is a small issue and not enough to change my opinion of the book overall. I look forward to reading this author's other works.
January 18, 2014
Who was Leonardo da Vinci's Mother? That is debatable. Historians are pretty sure her name was Caterina, but was she an Arab, a slave or simply a peasant? We do know she had Leonardo out of wedlock with a Florentine notary, Piero. Most scholars believe and evidence shows she was a slave from Constantinople, living in Piero's friend Vanni di Niccolo's house. That's about it. Some believe she married later and had five more children. Whatever the case the author had an opportunity to weave a great story. Fact is Leonardo's life was extraordinary. Add The de Medicis and it's fascinating. Instead the author turns Caterina into a girl raised by her apothecary father, who as she is walking in the fields alone, runs into Piero, falls in love, was promised marriage and she gives it up and has Leonardo. Of course Piero can't marry her, because she is beneath him. Piero is "surprisingly" crushed and can't get over her. His family takes the baby from Caterina and raises him in the stables with the horses "uh ok". Little Leonardo won't feed without his mother, so they hire her as a wet nurse. As history has documented Leonardo grows up and moves in with Lorenzo de Medici, who nourished and helped artists flourish. Here is where the story loses me. Caterina, dresses as man and moves to Florence to be with her son. She easily "unbelievably" simply enters The Medici's Palace as an apothecary and falls in love with Lorenzo, hangs with Popes, becomes pen pals with Cardinal Borgia "still laughing at that one" and witnesses first hand all of Florence's history. Did I mention as a man she wore a pee horn? Overall, this had the makings of a great story, but it fell flat with silly "what ifs." At least the author admitted this was simply fiction, but for me it could have been so much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2009
Maxwell's fanciful tale begins as Caterina, daughter of the local apothecary (and secret alchemist), is seduced by well born, up and coming notary Piero da Vinci. Piero promises marriage, but backs down when his family forbids it, although they do remove Caterina's son Leonardo to raise in their household. Strong willed Caterina finds a way to be with her son anyway and when he leaves for Florence to learn his craft, Caterina disguises herself as a man and masquerades as Leonardo's uncle Cato. Cato/Caterina soon finds herself best friends and intellectual acquaintance (!!) with Lorenzo Medici. As Leonardo's genius and talent continues to grow so does the power of evil priest Girolamo Savonarola and Caterina, Leonardo and Lorenzo find themselves in the midst of a plot to expose the priest for the hypocrite that he is.
All well and good, but there are some definite flaws. How low born Caterina could have been so highly educated by her father that she was able to pass among the intellectual elite of Florence is quite a stretch. Swapping letters with the Pope!!?? How was "he" able to join Lorenzo and his male associates in the common baths without taking "his" clothes off? Let alone wherever they traveled and whoever's home they stayed in she slept with him? How'd they explain that? Oops, they didn't, nor did the author. Frankly, Caterina was just too much over the top in intelligence, perfection, goodness and 21C superwoman to be quite believable.
This is very much a "what if" novel and should be read as such and not historical fact. As to how accurate the author portrays the lives of the rest of the historical characters in this book? I haven't a clue, but I did enjoy Lorenzo's character (he was quite a hunk), as well as the young up and coming Leonardo and his never ending search for knowledge. Sorry, but despite the hype I'm giving this one three stars.
All well and good, but there are some definite flaws. How low born Caterina could have been so highly educated by her father that she was able to pass among the intellectual elite of Florence is quite a stretch. Swapping letters with the Pope!!?? How was "he" able to join Lorenzo and his male associates in the common baths without taking "his" clothes off? Let alone wherever they traveled and whoever's home they stayed in she slept with him? How'd they explain that? Oops, they didn't, nor did the author. Frankly, Caterina was just too much over the top in intelligence, perfection, goodness and 21C superwoman to be quite believable.
This is very much a "what if" novel and should be read as such and not historical fact. As to how accurate the author portrays the lives of the rest of the historical characters in this book? I haven't a clue, but I did enjoy Lorenzo's character (he was quite a hunk), as well as the young up and coming Leonardo and his never ending search for knowledge. Sorry, but despite the hype I'm giving this one three stars.
September 4, 2019
Maxwell does an excellent job of taking what little we know of Da Vinci's mother and creating an interesting character and compelling life story, lacing it with plenty of fascinating information about Da Vinci, art and the politics of the day. The author did a good job of covering the history of the church and the people of that age.
June 9, 2016
3.5 stars ... Good historical fiction that tells the back story of Leonardo da Vinci's mother. Populated with real people from the era - Lorenzo de Medici, Botticelli, Savanarolla, Pope Innocent, etc. A good read, and I learned a little more about this time and place in history.
June 12, 2020
I enjoyed the history side of it. Some of the personal details I found unnecessary and thus they kind of put me off parts of the book.
On the whole, it's an interesting theory on who the mother of Leonardo da Vinci might have been. A theory not really based in fact but in the intriguing world of character. What might she have done? What would have been important to her? What would she have fought for, and who, and how?
I did enjoy the openness of the relationship between mother and son. Nothing was hidden in their lives that the other did not know, no secrets, just love.
There were a few chapters that focused either on unnecessary personal details (that didn't really add aything to the story imho) or on processes that could have been summed up with fewer words. Perhaps, though, as regards the second, I was merely impatient because you knew what the aim was and just wanted it to be revealed.
As I wrote before, the history side of it was interesting and worth the read, for me at least.
On the whole, it's an interesting theory on who the mother of Leonardo da Vinci might have been. A theory not really based in fact but in the intriguing world of character. What might she have done? What would have been important to her? What would she have fought for, and who, and how?
I did enjoy the openness of the relationship between mother and son. Nothing was hidden in their lives that the other did not know, no secrets, just love.
There were a few chapters that focused either on unnecessary personal details (that didn't really add aything to the story imho) or on processes that could have been summed up with fewer words. Perhaps, though, as regards the second, I was merely impatient because you knew what the aim was and just wanted it to be revealed.
As I wrote before, the history side of it was interesting and worth the read, for me at least.
November 20, 2010
After 170 pages I decided not to read any further. I just couldn't really get into the story. The characters were flat and the writing lifeless. My mind kept wandering off and I had to re-read paragraphs all the time. Definitely time to quit.
August 19, 2022
Despite the historical inaccuracies and weirdly sexual relationship between mother/son and daughter/father, this was the book that made me want to study the Renaissance, and I love it for that.
March 8, 2019
Dreadful. Have already written a damning review on Amazon. Apologies to Robin Maxwell: writing fiction is hard work and creating a novel a huge and famously unappreciated task. But the sickliness of this book and its completely unconvincing story is an insult to the time, the place and the famous characters in it that she has mangled. "Caterina", the 15thc peasant mother of Leonardo, is a 21st c American feminist heroine masquerading as a man. Lorenzo de' Medici, charismatic Florentine ruler in the later quattrocento, is her soppy boyfriend who even comments on how pretty she's made her apothecary's shop (and she's, er, a man at this point) so it's all a bit Florentine Homes and Gardens. The powerful Medici family are painted as sweet and adorable and Florence as a pretty place with lots of flowers until nasty Savonarola,the deranged Dominican, comes along and threatens to f***k everything up.
Tomatoes in the 15thc? And how would Caterina have hidden things like periods if she shared mineral baths with the men? How,indeed, could she, a peasant woman, have been educated to standard by her father to become the intellectual equal and companion to the brilliant Lorenzo, Neoplatonist, diplomat,philosopher and poet? Leonardo meanwhile comes over like a twisted teenager whose weird obsession with vivisection etc worries his mama terribly.
Historically, Savonarola's grip on Florence (and his Bonfire of the Vanities)did not manifest until after Lorenzo's death in 1492, although Sav was sowing the seeds of sedition with his sermons against (Lorenzo's) apparent tyranny and corruption.The dying Lorenzo tolerated him,not seeing the danger. I could say a lot more about the historical abuse in this book, which no doubt is meant to be read lightly, but there doesn't seem to be enough space here for me to vent my chasm of bile.
Tomatoes in the 15thc? And how would Caterina have hidden things like periods if she shared mineral baths with the men? How,indeed, could she, a peasant woman, have been educated to standard by her father to become the intellectual equal and companion to the brilliant Lorenzo, Neoplatonist, diplomat,philosopher and poet? Leonardo meanwhile comes over like a twisted teenager whose weird obsession with vivisection etc worries his mama terribly.
Historically, Savonarola's grip on Florence (and his Bonfire of the Vanities)did not manifest until after Lorenzo's death in 1492, although Sav was sowing the seeds of sedition with his sermons against (Lorenzo's) apparent tyranny and corruption.The dying Lorenzo tolerated him,not seeing the danger. I could say a lot more about the historical abuse in this book, which no doubt is meant to be read lightly, but there doesn't seem to be enough space here for me to vent my chasm of bile.
April 28, 2011
The author admits in the reading guide that virtually the only known fact about da Vinci's mother is her name, Caterina, and that this entire novel is based on the author's own conjectures and whims. It's well-written, but I grew bored with the endless alchemical experiments and the discussions about enlightenment and sexual divinity, etc., and thus ended up skimming a lot. I liked it for its insights into the period of unrest when the Pope cracked down on the sinful pleasures of Florence, and Caterina was a likeable character, (though I did find her ability to live so easily as a man for so many years hard to believe), but I was never really emotionally invested in the story, and what little feeling had been stirred in me faded when I learned it didn't have any truth behind it. Not a bad read, but nothing special.
May 14, 2010
According to the author's note at the back of this book, there are only 2 known facts about Leonardo da Vinci's mother:
1. Her name was Caterina
2. Leonardo was taken from her the day after his birth to be raised with his father's family
That is ALL.
And yet somehow, Robin Maxwell took these two facts and weaved an incredible tale of a mother's love and the lengths she will go to protect her son. I know next to nothing about Leonardo da Vinci, so I don't know how historically accurate some of the events with him were. But I loved Caterina's character, and because so little is known about her, Ms. Maxwell was free to create her however she wanted.
I really enjoyed this novel!
1. Her name was Caterina
2. Leonardo was taken from her the day after his birth to be raised with his father's family
That is ALL.
And yet somehow, Robin Maxwell took these two facts and weaved an incredible tale of a mother's love and the lengths she will go to protect her son. I know next to nothing about Leonardo da Vinci, so I don't know how historically accurate some of the events with him were. But I loved Caterina's character, and because so little is known about her, Ms. Maxwell was free to create her however she wanted.
I really enjoyed this novel!
January 15, 2019
I think this was the best book I've read all year. After reading this book, I've become very intersted in the Medici - and started reading Lorenzo de' Medici's sonnets, and started researching and studying... it's compelled me to write a short story of my own using characters that I've previously created and Giuliano de' Medici. Because, you know, as history tells us, . Great amazing wonderful book. Loved it.
I wish there were more books like this one!
I wish there were more books like this one!
September 15, 2011
Catarina.
Daughter of a mother whom died shortly after giving birth to her, and an apothecary for a Father.
In a time in when the Catholic church was wrought with frustration over the heretics spread of disease.
The disease of Knowledge.
Greek Gods and Goddesses, Science, Math, all terrible acts and words of heresy in the worst possible form.
Catarina is a most dutiful daughter. But loves spending time alone in the woods as well, unlike all of the other girls her age, who are more worried with marriage and looking pretty than herbs and growing things, and books.
Catarina finds herself unexpectedly besotted by on of the cities most noble and handsome men, and her affection is returned.
When Piero is certain that he wants Catarina as his wife, they both give in to the lust that has plagued them.
Peiro's family however, is insistent that she is not good enough for him, and he is not allowed to marry such filth, such a common girl.
Little did Catarina know, she was pregnant when Peiro left for Florence the next day.
With who would become Leonardo da Vinci.
One of the most notorious heretics of all time.
With his paintings of Greek Mythology, his knowledge of math and science, and, more so, his work with post mortem bodies, and his love of men.
This is the story of the early life of Leonardo, and even more so, of his Mother Catarina, and the extreme sacrifices she makes to not only be near her only son, but to protect him from the hangings and burnings that are so prevalent in that time period those whom are labeled sodomites and heretics.
My View:
This is a good book Fictional of course. Although, I am quite tempted to do my own research into the life of Leonardo and see who his mother was and what happened to him in his early years. Which, of course, I know little about.
I could have been lacking patience, but the book was slow for me, in some area's. I found myself skipping ahead a little, from the background to more of the actual plot, which, I know, is a terrible thing, but I felt the nagging need to do so!
It is quite interesting though. I love the time period and the plot behind it.
Well thought out.
The author also writes a book called 'Mademoiselle Boleyn' which, one can only assume, is a book regarding the Boleyn girls in England and King Richard VIII, which I am also very interested in. I will need to check that one out as well.
Pick it up. Library I would say. I believe list price is $15.
I wouldn't imagine it's worth quite that, but definitely an alright read. Especially if your into that time period and the characters.
- CJ
Daughter of a mother whom died shortly after giving birth to her, and an apothecary for a Father.
In a time in when the Catholic church was wrought with frustration over the heretics spread of disease.
The disease of Knowledge.
Greek Gods and Goddesses, Science, Math, all terrible acts and words of heresy in the worst possible form.
Catarina is a most dutiful daughter. But loves spending time alone in the woods as well, unlike all of the other girls her age, who are more worried with marriage and looking pretty than herbs and growing things, and books.
Catarina finds herself unexpectedly besotted by on of the cities most noble and handsome men, and her affection is returned.
When Piero is certain that he wants Catarina as his wife, they both give in to the lust that has plagued them.
Peiro's family however, is insistent that she is not good enough for him, and he is not allowed to marry such filth, such a common girl.
Little did Catarina know, she was pregnant when Peiro left for Florence the next day.
With who would become Leonardo da Vinci.
One of the most notorious heretics of all time.
With his paintings of Greek Mythology, his knowledge of math and science, and, more so, his work with post mortem bodies, and his love of men.
This is the story of the early life of Leonardo, and even more so, of his Mother Catarina, and the extreme sacrifices she makes to not only be near her only son, but to protect him from the hangings and burnings that are so prevalent in that time period those whom are labeled sodomites and heretics.
My View:
This is a good book Fictional of course. Although, I am quite tempted to do my own research into the life of Leonardo and see who his mother was and what happened to him in his early years. Which, of course, I know little about.
I could have been lacking patience, but the book was slow for me, in some area's. I found myself skipping ahead a little, from the background to more of the actual plot, which, I know, is a terrible thing, but I felt the nagging need to do so!
It is quite interesting though. I love the time period and the plot behind it.
Well thought out.
The author also writes a book called 'Mademoiselle Boleyn' which, one can only assume, is a book regarding the Boleyn girls in England and King Richard VIII, which I am also very interested in. I will need to check that one out as well.
Pick it up. Library I would say. I believe list price is $15.
I wouldn't imagine it's worth quite that, but definitely an alright read. Especially if your into that time period and the characters.
- CJ
February 22, 2009
Signora da Vinci is the riveting tale of Caterina, the unmarried mother of Leonardo da Vinci, and her determination to be a part of her son’s amazing life. This is Robin Maxwell’s first foray into Italian Renaissance history, her previous writing in Tudor historical fiction, with such novels as The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn and Mademoiselle Boleyn.
I quickly became immersed in the story of Caterina, daughter of Ernesto of Vinci. Ernesto is Vinci’s apothecary but secretly also an alchemist and heretic, training the precocious Caterina in all the arts he knows. As Caterina approaches womanhood she feels stifled by her insular life and one day while gathering herbs she meets Piero, the son of the most prominent family in Vinci. They meet secretly over months and Piero, desiring to marry her, asks his father for permission. His father is irate and sends him to Florence, leaving Caterina behind, pregnant and desolate. From here unravels a gripping tale of a mother’s devotion to her genius son and her need to be close to him no matter the sacrifice.
Leonardo’s intelligence is apparent as a young child, and Caterina pleads with Piero to arrange for an apprentice for him in Florence. When Leonardo leaves, Caterina spirit is broken, knowing she must be close to her son or she will die Ernesto suggests an astounding plan that will allow Caterina to be a part of Leonardo’s life.
Caterina is one of the most fully developed and best-written characters I have read about in fiction. Robin Maxwell has given Caterina an amazing mind, fortitude, capacity for love, ingenuity, daring, loyalty and openness. As Caterina evolves the story evolves, branching down different paths that question religion, love, faith, identity, and knowledge. We are exposed to new ideas in every chapter…Signora da Vinci is not only the story of Caterina and Leonardo but a select treatise on Florence and the art, philosophy and tensions between the church and scholars of the time.
A minor detail, but it would have been helpful for dates at each chapter header. I was always wondering the ages of the characters at points in the novel.
Signora da Vinci is a refreshing and unique perspective in historical fiction that is amazingly successful. Highly recommended. I would also suggest The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant for more great historical fiction of Florence and the Italian Renaissance.
My Rating: 4.5
http://myobsessionwithbooks.blogspot....
I quickly became immersed in the story of Caterina, daughter of Ernesto of Vinci. Ernesto is Vinci’s apothecary but secretly also an alchemist and heretic, training the precocious Caterina in all the arts he knows. As Caterina approaches womanhood she feels stifled by her insular life and one day while gathering herbs she meets Piero, the son of the most prominent family in Vinci. They meet secretly over months and Piero, desiring to marry her, asks his father for permission. His father is irate and sends him to Florence, leaving Caterina behind, pregnant and desolate. From here unravels a gripping tale of a mother’s devotion to her genius son and her need to be close to him no matter the sacrifice.
Leonardo’s intelligence is apparent as a young child, and Caterina pleads with Piero to arrange for an apprentice for him in Florence. When Leonardo leaves, Caterina spirit is broken, knowing she must be close to her son or she will die Ernesto suggests an astounding plan that will allow Caterina to be a part of Leonardo’s life.
Caterina is one of the most fully developed and best-written characters I have read about in fiction. Robin Maxwell has given Caterina an amazing mind, fortitude, capacity for love, ingenuity, daring, loyalty and openness. As Caterina evolves the story evolves, branching down different paths that question religion, love, faith, identity, and knowledge. We are exposed to new ideas in every chapter…Signora da Vinci is not only the story of Caterina and Leonardo but a select treatise on Florence and the art, philosophy and tensions between the church and scholars of the time.
A minor detail, but it would have been helpful for dates at each chapter header. I was always wondering the ages of the characters at points in the novel.
Signora da Vinci is a refreshing and unique perspective in historical fiction that is amazingly successful. Highly recommended. I would also suggest The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant for more great historical fiction of Florence and the Italian Renaissance.
My Rating: 4.5
http://myobsessionwithbooks.blogspot....
July 10, 2011
I learned some interesting facts from this book -- I had no idea that da Vinci was illegitimate, nor did I know much about his path as an artist's apprentice. I think that part of the book is reasonably accurate, and I liked that kind of historical context.
Unfortunately, *most* of the book is completely invented from whole cloth -- and consists almost entirely of extremely implausible coincidences that would be historically significant *if* they were true. Which, of course, they are almost certainly not. I just found it impossible to take it seriously. Leonardo da Vinci's mother, the mistress of Lorenzo de Medici? Really? Come on. There's just too much extrapolation in the book for my taste.
Unfortunately, *most* of the book is completely invented from whole cloth -- and consists almost entirely of extremely implausible coincidences that would be historically significant *if* they were true. Which, of course, they are almost certainly not. I just found it impossible to take it seriously. Leonardo da Vinci's mother, the mistress of Lorenzo de Medici? Really? Come on. There's just too much extrapolation in the book for my taste.
June 17, 2009
Although I enjoyed the overall storyline and plot of this book, told by Leonardo da Vinci's mother, I found her life as a man a major distraction. I think had the author picked another POV and/or mechanism by which to tell the story, I would have liked it more.
February 20, 2020
Great Historical Fiction shouldn't merely be created against a historically accurate backdrop (no shortage in that department), it should also have a perfect balance of possibility, plausibility and probability. While beautifully imagined and written, this story is neither probable nor plausible. But hey, anything is possible, right?
January 10, 2019
I really loved this story! (Inspired me to start reading Walter Isaacson's well researched book about Leonardo.) Maxwell did a nice job of weaving her story through historical events. I felt like she had some kind of inside track on Leonardo's mother; a beautifully written character.
February 17, 2024
It’s hard to rate this book. I loved the first half, and then it became a bit slow in the middle, and the end felt a little muddled (besides the very end, when Caterina sends Bianca the chest of books, which I adore). There are some characters I enjoyed very much, and the depiction of the Italian renaissance is a joy. However, the story line was a bit dull overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2023
Ci ho messo un secolo a finirlo per poi scoprire che si trattasse di una storia completamente inventata e sbagliata storicamente. Vabbè mi è piaciuto. 👍
August 15, 2020
Interesting twist to deVinci’s mother’s past. However, knowing the history of his mother, this books takes some liberties, although fun and unique, it is too much of alternative to what historians believe as true. Thus, I had a hard time going with the imagined journey.
May 24, 2010
Signora da Vinci is by far and away the best work of historical fiction I have ever read on Renaissance Florence. I’m a big fan of Robin Maxwell’s books on Anne Boleyn, but her latest novel surpasses even these. I just love the way Maxwell writes a story; the history never seems forced, and in this case, Caterina’s story is artfully interwoven with historical events to create a fascinating retelling of Renaissance Italy and its most notorious of artists, Leonardo da Vinci.
Signora da Vinci has a terrific cast of historic characters, and covers some of my favorite controversially debated events. From Lorenzo de Medici and his Platonic Academy to Botticelli and the many great artistic masters of the day, this book takes all the most fascinating aspects of the birth of the Renaissance in Florence and ties them together to present a magnificent story that is both enthralling and informative from start to finish. There is a focus on the struggle between the renewed interest in humanist philosophy spreading across Italy versus the Catholic Church, which considered free thought and scientific reason corrupt and heretical. I have always had an interest in Greek and Roman philosophy and art and architecture, and it was very eye opening to read how The Church in the 15th Century so adamantly rejected a cultural return to examining the philosophies of classical antiquity.
This book is filled with surprises and twists; Maxwell cleverly fills in history’s gaps and provides interesting explanations for certain historic events today still shrouded in mystery. I love the way she approaches Savonarola and the reason for his downfall. I usually don’t particularly like reading about Savonarola simply because he was such a hateful man and is one of those people I wish history would just forget about. But oh how I snickered at this author’s portrayal of his demise! I don’t want to give too much away in this review because so much of my pleasure in reading this novel was the delight I felt at uncovering how Maxwell addressed nearly every one of the holes in history concerning Renaissance Italy. There is so much I want to say about this book and its many conspiracy theories, but they are better left a surprise for the reader!
Robin Maxwell accomplished a mammoth feat in giving a voice to so extraordinary a man as Leonardo da Vinci. So much is said about his art and his inventions, but few venture to take up the challenge of describing Leonardo as a man. And what a man he was! A true Reniassance man in every sense of the word, Leonardo da Vinci was not only a genius and artistic mastermind but also a deeply feeling human being with equally as deep emotions. Maxwell presents him to us in the most vulnerable of forms: immersed in the most tender relationship of all, that between a mother and a child. It was so interesting to read as Leonardo grew from an inquisitive little boy to an intellectually curious teenager to a recognized master whose insight others eventually sought out in order to increase their own knowledge.
I will leave you by saying that Signora da Vinci is my favorite book I have read since starting this blog, and believe me, you do not want to miss it. If Signora da Vinci is not already on your TBR pile, it should be, and up on the top at that!
Signora da Vinci has a terrific cast of historic characters, and covers some of my favorite controversially debated events. From Lorenzo de Medici and his Platonic Academy to Botticelli and the many great artistic masters of the day, this book takes all the most fascinating aspects of the birth of the Renaissance in Florence and ties them together to present a magnificent story that is both enthralling and informative from start to finish. There is a focus on the struggle between the renewed interest in humanist philosophy spreading across Italy versus the Catholic Church, which considered free thought and scientific reason corrupt and heretical. I have always had an interest in Greek and Roman philosophy and art and architecture, and it was very eye opening to read how The Church in the 15th Century so adamantly rejected a cultural return to examining the philosophies of classical antiquity.
This book is filled with surprises and twists; Maxwell cleverly fills in history’s gaps and provides interesting explanations for certain historic events today still shrouded in mystery. I love the way she approaches Savonarola and the reason for his downfall. I usually don’t particularly like reading about Savonarola simply because he was such a hateful man and is one of those people I wish history would just forget about. But oh how I snickered at this author’s portrayal of his demise! I don’t want to give too much away in this review because so much of my pleasure in reading this novel was the delight I felt at uncovering how Maxwell addressed nearly every one of the holes in history concerning Renaissance Italy. There is so much I want to say about this book and its many conspiracy theories, but they are better left a surprise for the reader!
Robin Maxwell accomplished a mammoth feat in giving a voice to so extraordinary a man as Leonardo da Vinci. So much is said about his art and his inventions, but few venture to take up the challenge of describing Leonardo as a man. And what a man he was! A true Reniassance man in every sense of the word, Leonardo da Vinci was not only a genius and artistic mastermind but also a deeply feeling human being with equally as deep emotions. Maxwell presents him to us in the most vulnerable of forms: immersed in the most tender relationship of all, that between a mother and a child. It was so interesting to read as Leonardo grew from an inquisitive little boy to an intellectually curious teenager to a recognized master whose insight others eventually sought out in order to increase their own knowledge.
I will leave you by saying that Signora da Vinci is my favorite book I have read since starting this blog, and believe me, you do not want to miss it. If Signora da Vinci is not already on your TBR pile, it should be, and up on the top at that!
July 18, 2009
According to the author, Robin Maxwell, we have either two or three pieces of information about Leonardo da Vinci's mother. And that's it! However, Maxwell uses what little information we know and creates an enchanting piece of historical fiction. Thus, the book is on the one hand preposterous (extraordinarily unlikely that she has captured much of whom Leonardo's mother was) but at the same time enchanting (What a tale! And what a wonderful creation is Maxwell's Caterina, Leonardo's mother).
The book begins with her unlikely education. Her father, an apothecary (and alchemist) has a wide ranging library--from Greek literature on. He teaches his daughter the tools of being an apothecary and alchemy. He urges her to read the classics in their original language. The end result? By her mid-teens, an extraordinarily well read young woman, very unique for the times. And then, in a moment of weakness, Caterina becomes pregnant by a cowardly jerk. He reneges on his promise to marry her; his family takes the infant, now named Leonardo, from her.
Necessity leads her to serve as wet nurse to her child in the house of the child's father, Piero, but once the child was weaned from milk, she was booted out of the house.
There follows, later, a personal odyssey for Caterina, who transforms herself into Cato the Apothecary (she plays being a male) and moves to Florence to be near her son, who is apprenticing with a painter, to further Leonardo's developing career. She opens an apothecary's practice and does well; she and Leonardo delight in being able to see one another.
The story develops with many twists and turns (many, again, preposterous--but enchanting). Cato comes to know the Medici, become allied with Lorenzo the Magnificent (and they later become more than friends), become part of an intellectual group containing some of the luminaries of Florence, and so on.
Enter the wicked Savonarola. Florence is turned upside down by this religious tyrant. From that point, we see some intriguing developments, as Cato, Lorenzo Medici, and Leonardo set out to end Savonarola’s reign. In the process, readers will learn of the scenario by which the Shroud of Turin is created (delightful if extremely unlikely!) and used to destroy the reign of terror in Florence.
Anyhow, this is an interesting romp in historical fiction. The book is well written, and I flew through the pages as I became engaged with the story and its characters. I think that the author tends to romanticize somewhat the Medici family, but--all in all--a good read.
The book begins with her unlikely education. Her father, an apothecary (and alchemist) has a wide ranging library--from Greek literature on. He teaches his daughter the tools of being an apothecary and alchemy. He urges her to read the classics in their original language. The end result? By her mid-teens, an extraordinarily well read young woman, very unique for the times. And then, in a moment of weakness, Caterina becomes pregnant by a cowardly jerk. He reneges on his promise to marry her; his family takes the infant, now named Leonardo, from her.
Necessity leads her to serve as wet nurse to her child in the house of the child's father, Piero, but once the child was weaned from milk, she was booted out of the house.
There follows, later, a personal odyssey for Caterina, who transforms herself into Cato the Apothecary (she plays being a male) and moves to Florence to be near her son, who is apprenticing with a painter, to further Leonardo's developing career. She opens an apothecary's practice and does well; she and Leonardo delight in being able to see one another.
The story develops with many twists and turns (many, again, preposterous--but enchanting). Cato comes to know the Medici, become allied with Lorenzo the Magnificent (and they later become more than friends), become part of an intellectual group containing some of the luminaries of Florence, and so on.
Enter the wicked Savonarola. Florence is turned upside down by this religious tyrant. From that point, we see some intriguing developments, as Cato, Lorenzo Medici, and Leonardo set out to end Savonarola’s reign. In the process, readers will learn of the scenario by which the Shroud of Turin is created (delightful if extremely unlikely!) and used to destroy the reign of terror in Florence.
Anyhow, this is an interesting romp in historical fiction. The book is well written, and I flew through the pages as I became engaged with the story and its characters. I think that the author tends to romanticize somewhat the Medici family, but--all in all--a good read.
January 6, 2022
La storia, l’arte e la cultura, come pure i segreti, hanno sempre avuto su di me una grande attrattiva. Di fronte a un libro che ne fosse completamente intriso non ho avuto dubbi: mi ci sono lanciata senza alcuna esitazione. Volete avventurarvi anche voi in un viaggio nella Firenze rinascimentale della corte di Lorenzo il Magnifico?
Allacciate le cinture, si parte!
Sono passati più di cinquecento anni dalla nascita di Leonardo da Vinci, avvenuta il 15 aprile 1542. Innumerevoli sono le opere da lui realizzate e giunte fino a noi. Conosciamo molto della sua biografia, ma, nonostante studi accurati, di una cosa ancora non siamo certi: non sappiamo quale sia la vera identità di sua madre. Per una volta possiamo dire che il detto Mater semper certa est, pater numquam [la madre è sempre certa, il padre mai] non è del tutto vero.
Alcuni vedono in Caterina di Meo Lippi o Buti del Vacca (1427 circa – 1495 circa) la presunta madre di Leonardo da Vinci. Di umili origini e orfana, è stata l’amante del ricco notaio fiorentino Piero da Vinci. Venne allontanata dalla famiglia del padre e un anno dopo la nascita del figlio si sposò con il ceramista Antonio di Pietro del Vacca di Vinci, soprannominato “Accattabriga”, dal quale ebbe cinque figli.
Uno studio dattiloscopico del 2006 nota che Caterina potrebbe essere una schiava venuta dal Medio Oriente. Secondo Alessandro Vezzosi, direttore del Museo Leonardo da Vinci, si è stabilito che Piero era il proprietario di una schiava dal Medio Oriente chiamata Caterina, che ha dato alla luce un bambino di nome Leonardo. Questa tesi che Leonardo aveva sangue arabo è sostenuta dalla ricostruzione di un’impronta.
Sulla base di questa incertezza, l’autrice ha giocato con i pochi elementi a sua disposizione.
Facciamo conoscenza di una Caterina nei primi anni della sua adolescenza, diversa dalle sue coetanee.
"Le mie coetanee erano tenute attaccate alle sottane delle madri a imparare quelle arti femminili che la zia Maddalena sperava che apprendessi anch’io, uscivano solo per andare in chiesa o con le altre donne del paese a intrecciare cestini accanto al fiume. Concludevano la fanciullezza lasciando la casa del padre per entrare in quella del marito o, molto spesso, in quella del suocero. Aspettavano tutte di sposarsi. Erano tutte vergini."
A Caterina viene concessa più libertà ed più intelligente, perché istruita segretamente dal padre in filosofia, letteratura e alchimia. La sua intraprendenza e autonomia la porta ad esplorare da sola le campagne circostanti a Vinci ed è in una di queste uscite che incontrerà Piero. La loro è un’infatuazione immediata. Si amano con trasporto, ma l’ingenuità di entrambi non li aiuta a capire che la loro unione non può essere benedetta: la differenza sociale farà da ostacolo.
Rimasta incinta e rifiutata dal padre di suo figlio, Caterina tenta l’aborto. Non le riesce e questo le fa credere in un segno del destino. Purtroppo però esistevano usanze riguardo i figli maschi.
"Bastardo o no, quello era il suo primogenito e, secondo le innaturali leggi del padre, era suo diritto possederlo."
Leonardo viene cresciuto nella casa di Piero, accudito nel primo anno di vita da Caterina che gli fa da balia. Poi il definitivo distacco. Caterina, passati gli anni e viste le doti artistiche di Leonardo, spinge Piero a mandarlo apprendista nella scuola del maestro Verrocchio a Firenze.
Per ora potremmo dire che quanto narrato assomiglia alla realtà.
Inizia da qui però la parte più fantastica del romanzo. L’autrice si concede una licenza letteraria e immagina che Caterina non sopporti la distanza del figlio e, fingendosi uomo, diventando Cato, vada a gestire una farmacia a Firenze. Lì conoscerà le figure più illustri del tempo, verrà accettata nel circolo degli studiosi amici di Lorenzo de’ Medici e assisterà ai cambiamenti politici in corso durante quegli anni.
I Medici infatti non sono ben voluti da tutti e tra la congiura dei Pazzi, nel quale morì Giuliano de’ Medici, fratello di Lorenzo, e l’inizio dell’Inquisizione cappeggiata da Savonarola, arriviamo alla fine dei tempi d’oro di una delle famiglie più famose al mondo. Durante la narrazione si fa riferimento anche alle accuse di omosessualità nei confronti di Leonardo, al suo trasferimento a Milano presso la corte di Ludovico Sforza, detto il Moro, e all’ipotesi che sia di Leonardo la realizzazione della Sacra Sindone. Volete un ulteriore scoop? Vi dice qualcosa il nome Nicholas Flamel? Bene, se sapete chi era ne troverete menzione.
Pur consapevole che la trovata del travestimento risulti ridicola, devo dire che quanto letto mi ha catturato. I riferimenti storici a personaggi realmente esistiti mi ha spinto ad approfondire le biografie e a cercarne i ritratti. Ricordo la storia studiata durante le scuole pesante e noiosa, solo nozioni e date. Questo libro ha il potere magico di coinvolgere chi lo legge, di farti vivere l’esperienza come protagonista. Ho visto con i miei occhi quello che era la vita durante il Rinascimento fiorentino, con le sue luci e le sue ombre.
Da donna, forse, non sarebbe stato per me il periodo storico migliore in cui vivere e questo mi ha fatto comprendere la scelta della Maxwell. La Caterina che ci propone non è quella reale da cui ha tratto spunto, sottomessa per dovere agli uomini della sua vita, ma una rivisitazione.
"…la sorte anche delle donne più felici, quelle con un marito amabile, gentile, benevolo e molti bambini sani, era un destino di obblighi, sottomissione e servitù. La loro opinione, aldilà della pietà cristiana e delle virtù domestiche, non era ricercata né presa in considerazione. E quelle con padri o mariti crudeli, ignoranti o ubriaconi, erano costrette a una vita non migliore di quella di uno schiavo."
Noi conosciamo “Cato”, una donna forte, di carattere, decisa e pronta a tutto pur di vivere la vita che sogna per sè, quella che non ebbe la vera Caterina, madre di Leonardo.
L’autrice parla attraverso la sua protagonista e ci manda un messaggio:
"“Ogni donna che sia nata in questa vita, non importa il suo rango, può essere definita coraggiosa finché conserva la sua anima riservata e intatta. In apparenza può essere una figlia o una moglie sottomessa, punita e picchiata dal padre o dal marito, e soffrire le pene del parto. Può essere minacciata dal suo prete con le fiamme dell’inferno e la dannazione eterna, il suo corpo può subire abusi da medici ignoranti che la disprezzano in quanto donna. Ma finché una timida traccia di coscienza di sé rimane in lei…”.
“La scintilla Divina”, disse Bianca afferrandomi l’altra Manu mentre le si riempivano gli occhi di lacrime.
“Sì, bambina mia, la scintilla divina. Finché non la si lascia avvizzire e morire, tutto è possibile.”"
Mi sono forse prolungata troppo. Ve ne chiedo scusa. Quando però un libro mi coinvolge così tanto, mi lascio prendere dal parlarvene.
Consiglio questo libro ovviamente a chi ama viaggiare nella storia e a chi cerca protagoniste non noiose e insulse, ma ribelli.
Vi lascio con un’ultima citazione, tratta dagli scritti di Petrarca e pronunciata dal Leonardo di questa storia.
"L’amore è un inferno di cui i pazzi fanno il loro paradiso. È veleno con un gusto dolce. Una morte con l’apparenza della vita."
Allacciate le cinture, si parte!
Sono passati più di cinquecento anni dalla nascita di Leonardo da Vinci, avvenuta il 15 aprile 1542. Innumerevoli sono le opere da lui realizzate e giunte fino a noi. Conosciamo molto della sua biografia, ma, nonostante studi accurati, di una cosa ancora non siamo certi: non sappiamo quale sia la vera identità di sua madre. Per una volta possiamo dire che il detto Mater semper certa est, pater numquam [la madre è sempre certa, il padre mai] non è del tutto vero.
Alcuni vedono in Caterina di Meo Lippi o Buti del Vacca (1427 circa – 1495 circa) la presunta madre di Leonardo da Vinci. Di umili origini e orfana, è stata l’amante del ricco notaio fiorentino Piero da Vinci. Venne allontanata dalla famiglia del padre e un anno dopo la nascita del figlio si sposò con il ceramista Antonio di Pietro del Vacca di Vinci, soprannominato “Accattabriga”, dal quale ebbe cinque figli.
Uno studio dattiloscopico del 2006 nota che Caterina potrebbe essere una schiava venuta dal Medio Oriente. Secondo Alessandro Vezzosi, direttore del Museo Leonardo da Vinci, si è stabilito che Piero era il proprietario di una schiava dal Medio Oriente chiamata Caterina, che ha dato alla luce un bambino di nome Leonardo. Questa tesi che Leonardo aveva sangue arabo è sostenuta dalla ricostruzione di un’impronta.
Sulla base di questa incertezza, l’autrice ha giocato con i pochi elementi a sua disposizione.
Facciamo conoscenza di una Caterina nei primi anni della sua adolescenza, diversa dalle sue coetanee.
"Le mie coetanee erano tenute attaccate alle sottane delle madri a imparare quelle arti femminili che la zia Maddalena sperava che apprendessi anch’io, uscivano solo per andare in chiesa o con le altre donne del paese a intrecciare cestini accanto al fiume. Concludevano la fanciullezza lasciando la casa del padre per entrare in quella del marito o, molto spesso, in quella del suocero. Aspettavano tutte di sposarsi. Erano tutte vergini."
A Caterina viene concessa più libertà ed più intelligente, perché istruita segretamente dal padre in filosofia, letteratura e alchimia. La sua intraprendenza e autonomia la porta ad esplorare da sola le campagne circostanti a Vinci ed è in una di queste uscite che incontrerà Piero. La loro è un’infatuazione immediata. Si amano con trasporto, ma l’ingenuità di entrambi non li aiuta a capire che la loro unione non può essere benedetta: la differenza sociale farà da ostacolo.
Rimasta incinta e rifiutata dal padre di suo figlio, Caterina tenta l’aborto. Non le riesce e questo le fa credere in un segno del destino. Purtroppo però esistevano usanze riguardo i figli maschi.
"Bastardo o no, quello era il suo primogenito e, secondo le innaturali leggi del padre, era suo diritto possederlo."
Leonardo viene cresciuto nella casa di Piero, accudito nel primo anno di vita da Caterina che gli fa da balia. Poi il definitivo distacco. Caterina, passati gli anni e viste le doti artistiche di Leonardo, spinge Piero a mandarlo apprendista nella scuola del maestro Verrocchio a Firenze.
Per ora potremmo dire che quanto narrato assomiglia alla realtà.
Inizia da qui però la parte più fantastica del romanzo. L’autrice si concede una licenza letteraria e immagina che Caterina non sopporti la distanza del figlio e, fingendosi uomo, diventando Cato, vada a gestire una farmacia a Firenze. Lì conoscerà le figure più illustri del tempo, verrà accettata nel circolo degli studiosi amici di Lorenzo de’ Medici e assisterà ai cambiamenti politici in corso durante quegli anni.
I Medici infatti non sono ben voluti da tutti e tra la congiura dei Pazzi, nel quale morì Giuliano de’ Medici, fratello di Lorenzo, e l’inizio dell’Inquisizione cappeggiata da Savonarola, arriviamo alla fine dei tempi d’oro di una delle famiglie più famose al mondo. Durante la narrazione si fa riferimento anche alle accuse di omosessualità nei confronti di Leonardo, al suo trasferimento a Milano presso la corte di Ludovico Sforza, detto il Moro, e all’ipotesi che sia di Leonardo la realizzazione della Sacra Sindone. Volete un ulteriore scoop? Vi dice qualcosa il nome Nicholas Flamel? Bene, se sapete chi era ne troverete menzione.
Pur consapevole che la trovata del travestimento risulti ridicola, devo dire che quanto letto mi ha catturato. I riferimenti storici a personaggi realmente esistiti mi ha spinto ad approfondire le biografie e a cercarne i ritratti. Ricordo la storia studiata durante le scuole pesante e noiosa, solo nozioni e date. Questo libro ha il potere magico di coinvolgere chi lo legge, di farti vivere l’esperienza come protagonista. Ho visto con i miei occhi quello che era la vita durante il Rinascimento fiorentino, con le sue luci e le sue ombre.
Da donna, forse, non sarebbe stato per me il periodo storico migliore in cui vivere e questo mi ha fatto comprendere la scelta della Maxwell. La Caterina che ci propone non è quella reale da cui ha tratto spunto, sottomessa per dovere agli uomini della sua vita, ma una rivisitazione.
"…la sorte anche delle donne più felici, quelle con un marito amabile, gentile, benevolo e molti bambini sani, era un destino di obblighi, sottomissione e servitù. La loro opinione, aldilà della pietà cristiana e delle virtù domestiche, non era ricercata né presa in considerazione. E quelle con padri o mariti crudeli, ignoranti o ubriaconi, erano costrette a una vita non migliore di quella di uno schiavo."
Noi conosciamo “Cato”, una donna forte, di carattere, decisa e pronta a tutto pur di vivere la vita che sogna per sè, quella che non ebbe la vera Caterina, madre di Leonardo.
L’autrice parla attraverso la sua protagonista e ci manda un messaggio:
"“Ogni donna che sia nata in questa vita, non importa il suo rango, può essere definita coraggiosa finché conserva la sua anima riservata e intatta. In apparenza può essere una figlia o una moglie sottomessa, punita e picchiata dal padre o dal marito, e soffrire le pene del parto. Può essere minacciata dal suo prete con le fiamme dell’inferno e la dannazione eterna, il suo corpo può subire abusi da medici ignoranti che la disprezzano in quanto donna. Ma finché una timida traccia di coscienza di sé rimane in lei…”.
“La scintilla Divina”, disse Bianca afferrandomi l’altra Manu mentre le si riempivano gli occhi di lacrime.
“Sì, bambina mia, la scintilla divina. Finché non la si lascia avvizzire e morire, tutto è possibile.”"
Mi sono forse prolungata troppo. Ve ne chiedo scusa. Quando però un libro mi coinvolge così tanto, mi lascio prendere dal parlarvene.
Consiglio questo libro ovviamente a chi ama viaggiare nella storia e a chi cerca protagoniste non noiose e insulse, ma ribelli.
Vi lascio con un’ultima citazione, tratta dagli scritti di Petrarca e pronunciata dal Leonardo di questa storia.
"L’amore è un inferno di cui i pazzi fanno il loro paradiso. È veleno con un gusto dolce. Una morte con l’apparenza della vita."
August 26, 2015
Robin Maxwell is one of my favourite historical fiction authors and she's written about some famous and influential female figures from history, including: Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I.
Signora da Vinci is told from the perspective of Leonardo da Vinci's mother, Caterina. We begin in 1452, when Caterina gives birth out of wedlock to Leonardo. Her heart is broken when her lover's family refuse to accept the match and rip Leonardo from her arms to raise in their - more noble - family.
Caterina is an apothecary after her father, who is a well-travelled, well-read and respected man in their little town of Vinci in Italy. When her son becomes a man, he moves to Florence and Caterina wishes to see him. Not being able to travel alone (as a woman) and fearing recognition from Leonardo's father, she disguises herself as a man and changes her name to Cato.
Her disguise works and the novel really takes off from here. Lorenzo de' Medici becomes Leonardo's patron and Cato one of his closest friends.
Signora da Vinci is filled with art (the great Botticelli is also a character), religion (including the making of the Shroud of Turin by Leonardo) alchemy and the pursuit of knowledge, however forbidden it might be.
Cato is invited to join The Platonic Academy and I thoroughly enjoyed his deception and the insights Caterina was able to get from carrying herself as a man. I also have a new appreciation for the portrait of the Mona Lisa, but no spoilers here.
Not much is really known about Leonardo's mother Caterina, and so when reading Signora da Vinci you will enjoy it more if you suspend your disbelief and just dive in. It's fair to say that a number of liberties have been taken with dates and events, but the period has been well researched and this is a fun 'what if' read.
Signora da Vinci is told from the perspective of Leonardo da Vinci's mother, Caterina. We begin in 1452, when Caterina gives birth out of wedlock to Leonardo. Her heart is broken when her lover's family refuse to accept the match and rip Leonardo from her arms to raise in their - more noble - family.
Caterina is an apothecary after her father, who is a well-travelled, well-read and respected man in their little town of Vinci in Italy. When her son becomes a man, he moves to Florence and Caterina wishes to see him. Not being able to travel alone (as a woman) and fearing recognition from Leonardo's father, she disguises herself as a man and changes her name to Cato.
Her disguise works and the novel really takes off from here. Lorenzo de' Medici becomes Leonardo's patron and Cato one of his closest friends.
Signora da Vinci is filled with art (the great Botticelli is also a character), religion (including the making of the Shroud of Turin by Leonardo) alchemy and the pursuit of knowledge, however forbidden it might be.
Cato is invited to join The Platonic Academy and I thoroughly enjoyed his deception and the insights Caterina was able to get from carrying herself as a man. I also have a new appreciation for the portrait of the Mona Lisa, but no spoilers here.
Not much is really known about Leonardo's mother Caterina, and so when reading Signora da Vinci you will enjoy it more if you suspend your disbelief and just dive in. It's fair to say that a number of liberties have been taken with dates and events, but the period has been well researched and this is a fun 'what if' read.
September 17, 2011
5 stars for this story of a mother's love and courage in a small Italian town at a time when women had no rights at all. Caterina is a young girl who is lovestruck with a boy named Piero. His family doesn't know of their relationship and would consider Caterina to be beneath their son's social status. Piero and Caterina eventually make love and he promises to talk to his father about marrying her the next morning. But the next morning comes...and then the afternoon...and then it's the evening and Caterina is anxious and worried. Piero's brother, Francesco, comes to Caterina's home and tells her that Piero DID ask his father and there was a huge argument between Piero, his father, and grandfather. They sent Piero away to keep him from running off with Caterina and told him that they had already "arranged" a marriage for him.
Caterina is devastated. And for the next two months she mopes through her life not realizing that she has missed several menses. Until one day it dawns on her that she's pregnant! Pregnant in a small Italian town filled with gossips.
In due time, Caterina gives birth to a healthy boy (Leonardo). A mother's love is also born and the emotions running through the new mother are well explained. But the morning after her son's birth is heart-wrenching and cruel. And so begins the tale of Cato the Apothecary...
Caterina is devastated. And for the next two months she mopes through her life not realizing that she has missed several menses. Until one day it dawns on her that she's pregnant! Pregnant in a small Italian town filled with gossips.
In due time, Caterina gives birth to a healthy boy (Leonardo). A mother's love is also born and the emotions running through the new mother are well explained. But the morning after her son's birth is heart-wrenching and cruel. And so begins the tale of Cato the Apothecary...
May 29, 2020
I give up. Not only is this book boring, the characters flat, and the plot ridiculous, there's something about the way Maxwell is so dismissive of gay people that really gets to me. I skimmed to the reading guide, and saw how she thinks Leonardo da Vinci's sexuality changed depending on his age. Apparently he wasn't having a lot of sex later in life, and so he appeared asexual to the author. (Honestly, that was what made me decide to put it down.) I mean, I realize that being gay was something you could literally be burned alive for at this time, but most of the main characters consider themselves "heretics" anyway. And there's no way to excuse it as unrealistic for the time period: first of all, da Vinci WAS gay or bisexual, and secondly, the ENTIRE PLOT was ridiculous. I have a headache from rolling my eyes so much.
After reading Mademoiselle Boleyn and the Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn, I am incredibly disappointed in this. To all authors: please include LGBT people in your novels as main characters rather than just background ones for representation points. We've always existed, stop writing over us.
After reading Mademoiselle Boleyn and the Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn, I am incredibly disappointed in this. To all authors: please include LGBT people in your novels as main characters rather than just background ones for representation points. We've always existed, stop writing over us.
October 16, 2018
I was excited when my book club chose this title -- I expected it to be about Da Vinci and his family set amid the excitement of the Italian renaissance. But this is a poorly written harlequin-romance fictional tale. Two stars is being generous. The author abused every stereotype in the "young girl vs. the cruel world" trope. For example: a poor small-town girl gets pregnant by her wealthy, upper-class boyfriend because he says he loves her and promises to marry her. Then she's crushed when he won't/can't marry her, and his family takes away little Leonardo. But she decides to become the wet nurse so she can be with her child, even if she has to live in the barn. When he grows up and goes to the big city to study she cuts her hair and becomes a "man" so she can follow him. Doh...it quickly goes downhill from there. My Kindle said I made it through 25% of the book - that was painful enough for me.
January 30, 2010
Robin Maxwell says in the Reader's Guide that the lack of information about Leonardo Da Vinci's mother gave her the opportunity to use this book in order to write about what interested her. She used this freedom to the hilt. Her protagonist was completely outrageous in her behavior and beliefs in terms of the period, but I still found the book credible. People who want a book whose events are verifiable and recorded will be disappointed, but I liked the wild originality of Signora Da Vinci. On the other hand, I admit that I am more interested in Da Vinci's public activities than in what he may have done secretly. This is why I gave the book four stars rather than five.
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