Milan, 1497. The height of the Renaissance. And for Giacomo, servant of the famous painter Leonardo da Vinci, it's the most difficult time of all. His Master has been working on the Last Supper, his greatest painting ever, for nearly two years. But has he finished it? He's barely started! The all-powerful Duke of Milan is demanding that it be completed by the time the Pope visits at Easter. And Giacomo knows that if Leonardo doesn't pick up his pace, the Duke may invite a young genius -- Michelangelo -- to finish the painting instead. Which means that Leonardo won't be paid, which means that Milan's shopkeepers (to whom he owes massive amounts) will take drastic measures against him.
It's all down to Giacomo, and whether he can come up with a brilliant solution. And if he does, will his Master go for it? After all, Leonardo still doesn't seem to trust him. He refuses to teach Giacomo how to paint; he won't help him find his parents; nor will he discuss the significance of the medallion, ring, and cross that Giacomo was carrying when Leonardo found him. But with the secret arrival of a powerful stranger, Giacomo is about to discover much more than the answers he has been looking for. And he will also receive an invitation to help arrange a meeting that could change his life. . . and the future course of history.
With more twists and turns than a spiral staircase, this thriller is as unique as its two heroes -- the most celebrated artist who ever lived, and a young man without a past, who will stop at nothing to find the truth about his life.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
A beautiful period piece that brings the Renaissance to sparkling life:
Christopher Grey's Leonardo's Shadow is the story of Giacomo, the servant of genius Leonardo da Vinci. However, this life is not as glamorous as it might seem; Leonardo is desperately poor, being two years behind on his largest commission, the Sistine Chapel, and the Duke of Milan refuses to pay until the work is complete. This leaves Giacomo to plead with merchants to extend their non-existent credit for food (Leonardo is a strict vegetarian) and fuel. At first glance, the narrative's device of... more info
Slow and Disappointing:
I tried to read this book after I had read "The second Mrs. Gioconda." I found this one to be slow and I felt that it showed Leonardo, maybe as he was, but very puffed up and full of himself. That he seemed to think he had money, but owed everyone. I am sure most painters owed people, but I am sure that they knew that they did! I just don't think Leonardo would be as clueless as the book started out. I will admit that I didn't finish this book. I just couldn't make myself do it. I recommend reading "The... more info
Courtesy of Teens Read Too:
Leonardo da Vinci hasn't worked on the fresco of the Last Supper in two years. His supporters are most unhappy with his progress. Payments for da Vinci have stopped, but that does not stop the da Vinci household from running up debts all over town. The shopkeepers are starting to refuse more credit on his accounts. The Duke of Milan and da Vinci have a history of playful disagreements. However, the Duke makes no secret that he's asked the rival artist Michaelangelo to town. With threats at his... more info
Why won't Da Vinci finish The Last Supper?:
Giacomo is the servant of the great Leonardo Da Vinci. Several years ago, a mob was chasing him through the streets, convinced he had stolen someone else's possessions. That night, Da Vinci saved Giacomo's life. Ever since then, Giacomo has served Da Vinci faithfully and almost comically. Whenever anyone even hints that they are insulting his master, Giacomo is right there defending his honor, although it is most unsuitable for him to speak to his superiors. His greatest ambition is to paint and learn... more info
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