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Your favorite scene
Posted: 04 Jun 2018, 20:38
by Manang Muyang
Belle Ami paints a lot of memorable scenes in this story. The three love affairs, Leonardo's role, and the luxurious locations are rich with luscious images.
My favorite scene is Fioretta in the throes of childbirth. I found the narrative and dialogue very entertaining.
Which scene do you like best?
Re: Your favorite scene
Posted: 06 Jun 2018, 19:05
by thaservices1
I would have to say the introduction to the Tuscan vineyard. It was by far the best done descriptive scene in the book. I felt a lack of background description in the novel so that one stands out.
Re: Your favorite scene
Posted: 06 Jun 2018, 19:22
by Manang Muyang
Yes, that's a good one for the imagination. I was half-hoping for a scene where the lovers would be stomping on grapes ala "A Walk in the Clouds."
Re: Your favorite scene
Posted: 06 Jun 2018, 19:47
by bookowlie
I would say the scene in the Getty Museum where Alex found Angela talking to the Medici painting. It was very unexpected and magical that the man in the painting opened his eyes, turned his face, and looked at Angela. After a flash of light came out of the painting, Angela told Alex in Italian that she loved him and kissed him. This was despite Alex being a stranger to her. Although I admit I rolled my eyes a little, the scene was vividly described and I felt like I was right there. Once I read this scene, I started thinking the book would make a good movie.
Re: Your favorite scene
Posted: 06 Jun 2018, 20:14
by Manang Muyang
Yes, that scene was vividly portrayed. I found the Giuliano portrait on the Net and could imagine how the figure moved from his pose. Yup, the power of words at work!
Re: Your favorite scene
Posted: 06 Jun 2018, 20:20
by bookowlie
You're ten steps ahead of me! When I read the book, I wasn't sure if all of the details about the Medici family were correct. I just googled Giuliano Medici and it turns out he really had a illegitimate son with his mistress Fioretta, and his son grew up to become Pope Clement VII.
Re: Your favorite scene
Posted: 07 Jun 2018, 03:39
by Manang Muyang
I like to know those little details. I also found out that there was indeed a clandestine wedding between Guiliano and Fioretta. But I found no info about a wedding portrait. Fioretta was alleged to be a courtesan and a cousin of Guiliano. There is further speculation that Fioretta might be the Mona Lisa!
While in the book, Leonardo introduced Fioretta to the Medicis, the info I found seems to show that Fioretta did not know Leonardo as closely.
Re: Your favorite scene
Posted: 07 Jun 2018, 17:23
by bookowlie
Miriam Molina wrote: ↑07 Jun 2018, 03:39
I like to know those little details. I also found out that there was indeed a clandestine wedding between Guiliano and Fioretta. But I found no info about a wedding portrait. Fioretta was alleged to be a courtesan and a cousin of Guiliano. There is further speculation that Fioretta might be the Mona Lisa!
While in the book, Leonardo introduced Fioretta to the Medicis, the info I found seems to show that Fioretta did not know Leonardo as closely.
I just assumed the wedding portrait/unattributable painting was fictional as well as the close friendship between Fioretta and Leonardo.
Re: Your favorite scene
Posted: 09 Jun 2018, 12:08
by SweetMelissaV2131
bookowlie wrote: ↑06 Jun 2018, 20:20
You're ten steps ahead of me! When I read the book, I wasn't sure if all of the details about the Medici family were correct. I just googled Giuliano Medici and it turns out he really had a illegitimate son with his mistress Fioretta, and his son grew up to become Pope Clement VII.
Very interesting! I am not knowledgeable when it comes to art or the history behind it. I had just assumed that this story was all made up. I may have to do some googling myself!
Re: Your favorite scene
Posted: 09 Jun 2018, 12:12
by SweetMelissaV2131
Miriam Molina wrote: ↑07 Jun 2018, 03:39
I like to know those little details. I also found out that there was indeed a clandestine wedding between Guiliano and Fioretta. But I found no info about a wedding portrait. Fioretta was alleged to be a courtesan and a cousin of Guiliano. There is further speculation that Fioretta might be the Mona Lisa!
While in the book, Leonardo introduced Fioretta to the Medicis, the info I found seems to show that Fioretta did not know Leonardo as closely.
I'm glad I'm not the oddball here...while I was reading this story, I kept having thoughts pop into my head like 'Hmmm, is the author hinting that Fioretta is actually Mona Lisa??' I thought at the time that maybe I needed to take a break from reading the book LOL
Re: Your favorite scene
Posted: 10 Jun 2018, 01:41
by SereneCharles
I don't have one yet. I hope to do soon. I'd like to read the book. My appetite is seriously wetted.
Re: Your favorite scene
Posted: 10 Jun 2018, 20:42
by MrsCatInTheHat
bookowlie wrote: ↑06 Jun 2018, 19:47
I would say the scene in the Getty Museum where Alex found Angela talking to the Medici painting. It was very unexpected and magical that the man in the painting opened his eyes, turned his face, and looked at Angela. After a flash of light came out of the painting, Angela told Alex in Italian that she loved him and kissed him. This was despite Alex being a stranger to her. Although I admit I rolled my eyes a little, the scene was vividly described and I felt like I was right there. Once I read this scene, I started thinking the book would make a good movie.
This scene really set the stage for the rest of the story.
Re: Your favorite scene
Posted: 11 Jun 2018, 01:08
by Manang Muyang
That is true. I just went back to my copy and noted that the video footage which Scordato reviewed did not show Giuliano nor record his voice. Only Alex and Angela saw and heard Giuliano. What I don't know is whether the video would have shown Angela's green eyes. Well, I'm thinking too much. LOL!
Re: Your favorite scene
Posted: 11 Jun 2018, 11:06
by AbbyGNelson
bookowlie wrote: ↑06 Jun 2018, 20:20
You're ten steps ahead of me! When I read the book, I wasn't sure if all of the details about the Medici family were correct. I just googled Giuliano Medici and it turns out he really had a illegitimate son with his mistress Fioretta, and his son grew up to become Pope Clement VII.
That's a cool little fact. Thanks!
Re: Your favorite scene
Posted: 12 Jun 2018, 20:13
by kfwilson6
I enjoyed the scene in which Sophia goes to the cave where all of the wine bottles are stored. It was a very emotional scene where I really felt the pain of her loss of Gerhard. It was difficult, but well written.