The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith
In 1631, Sara de Vos is admitted as a master painter to the Guild of St. Luke's in Holland, the first woman to be so recognised. Three hundred years later, only one work attributed to de Vos is known to remain -- a haunting winter scene, At the edge of a Wood, which hangs over the bed of a wealthy descendant of the original owner. An Australian grad student, Ellie Shipley, struggling to to stay afloat in New York, agrees to paint a forgery of the landscape, a decision that will haunt her. Because now, half a century later, she's curating an exhibit of female Dutch painters, and both versions threaten to arrive. As the three threads intersect, 'The Last Painting of Sara de Vos' mesmerises while it grapples with the demands of the artistic life, showing how the debits of the past can forge the present.
This is such a fascinating story, taking place in 3 distinct time eras: 17th century Netherlands, 1950s New York City and Sydney, Australia of 2000. The author is assure in taking us through yes times and peoples' lives; learning their secrets, their inspirations, their pain and hope and love and loss.
This beautifully written book was a pleasure to read.
