Thank you so very much for hosting me today. Itβs always a pleasure to have a
chance to chat with bloggers and their readers.
PORTRAIT OF A
CONSPIRACY: Da Vinciβs Disciples has its historical basis rooted firmly in
truthβ¦one of the greatest conspiracies of the 15
th century, a
conspiracy that reached all the way to the Vatican. An assassination plot
history now calls the Pazzi Conspiracy. With such a firm historical foundation,
it allowed me to immerse myself fully in the city of Florence, as it was in
1478. And thanks to the many resources, both paper and virtual, the details of
the setting found their way onto my page. It even allowed me to create a map,
something Iβve always wanted to do.
Today, Iβd like to share some of those remarkable architectural delights with you.
We must start where the story starts, where the assassination takes place: in
Brunelleschiβs Duomo. In truth the Gothic style basilica, part of the complex of
Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Saint Mary of the Flowers
Cathedral), was originally designed by Arnolfo di Cambio. Built on the ruins of
the 7
th century Santa Raparata Church, construction on the new
structure began in 1296; it wasnβt complete, as it stands todayβas it was in
1478βuntil 1436.
The exterior façade is a checkerboard of marble using three different colors and
strains of the opulent stone. Only in comparison, can the inside be called
rather plain. By far one of its most enchanting features is the mosaic pavements
that cover the floor.
But it is the dome itself that has always made the Duomo not only one of the
greatest tourist attractions in the world, but one of its most innovative. Using
buttresses was forbidden in Florence, for it was a favored technique of their
enemies to the north. Creating an unsupported dome had never been done before.
Only a Renaissance genius such as Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446) would dare
attempt it. For decades, Florentines feared it would fall upon their heads,
especially during times of unrest, when they believed the wrath of God would
strike the dome, burying any beneath in a fatal rubble. Today, the
golden-bricked dome is one of Florenceβs most recognized monuments and dominates
the skyline.
Giuliano deβ Medici is murdered. His brother, the powerful Lorenzo deβ Medici
survives. But he would never be the same again. He sets out on a rampage of
vengeance that would eventually find close to one hundred executed. Lorenzoβs
preferred method of eliminating his enemiesβ¦throwing them out a window of the
Palazzo della Signoria (now known as the Palazzo Vecchio), a rope wrapped around
their throats.
The government palace is made of solid rusticated stonework and is enhanced with
two rows of Gothic windows. It is from these windows that the
Otto, the
eight that ruled the police forces of Florence, flung the Medici enemies.
Built in 1299 by the citizens of the original Florence commune, it has been
enlarged and enriched by decorative details in the many years since. It is at
one of the main entrances to the palace that Michelangeloβs David originally
stood. This most famous sculpture has since been replaced with a copy when the
original was damaged in one of Florenceβs many military challenges.
The secret society of women artists that inhabit Portrait of a Conspiracy are a
product of my imagination only. Santo Spirito, the church in whose sacristy the
woman have their βsecret studioβ is very real.
The Basilica of the Holy Spirit (simply known as Santo Spirito) is located in
the Oltrarno quarter of the city, in 15
th century Florence, one of
the wealthiest sections of the city. The original structure was also built in
the 13
th century. The existing structure was also designed by
Brunelleschi after it suffered both physical and spiritual ruin during a period
of the cityβs civil unrest. The first cornerstones of the building, the pillars,
were delivered ten days before Brunelleschiβs death. His followers Antonio
Manetti, Giovanni da Gaiole, and Salvi d'Andrea completed the work begun by the
master.
Santo Spirito will play a major role in all volumes of the Da Vinciβs Disciples
trilogy. It is not only the home of this secret art society, it is the location
of some of their most decisive challenges.
I hope you enjoyed this little tour of Florence. Youβll find more, including the
actual names of the streets as they existed in the 15
th century,
within the pages of my books.
Giveaway
What do you think of Florence and the secret society of women? You could be
one if you tell us below. One reader will win an autographed copy PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY as
well as a key pendent as worn by the women of Da Vinci's Disciples.
Book One
Da Vinci's Disciples
One murder ignites the powder keg that consumes a Florence under the iron
rule of the powerful Medici family. Amidst the chaos, five women and one
legendary artist weave together a dangerous plot that could bring peace, or get
them all killed.
Seeking to wrest power, members of the Pazzi family drew their blades in a
church and slew the beloved Giuliano. But Lorenzo de' Medici survives, and seeks
revenge on everyone involved, plunging the city into a murderous chaos. Bodies
are dragged through the streets, and no one is safe.
Five women steal away to a church to ply their craft in secret. Viviana,
Fiammetta, Isabetta, Natasia, and Mattea are painters, not allowed to be public
with their skill, but freed from the restrictions in their lives by their art.
When a sixth member of their group, Lapaccia, goes missing, and is rumored to
have stolen a much sought after painting before she vanished, the women must
venture out into the dangerous streets to find their friend. They will have help
from one of the most renowned painters of their era―the peaceful and kind
Leonardo Da Vinci.
It is under his tutelage that they will flourish as artists, and with his
access that they will infiltrate some of the highest, most secretive places in
Florence, unraveling one conspiracy as they build another in its place.
Historical fiction at its finest, Donna Russo Morin begins a series of Da
Vinci's disciples with a novel both vibrant and absorbing, perfect for the
readers of Sarah Dunant.
Suspense | Mystery Historical
[Diversion Books, On Sale: May 10, 2016, Paperback
/ e-Book, ISBN: 9781682300602 / eISBN: 9781682300596]
Women Painters, Conspiracy and Murder Star in This View of 15th-Century
Florence
Adventurous, empowering, and romantic historical fiction
Donna Russo Morinβs passion for the written word began when she was a child,
took on a feminist edge as she grew through the sixties, and blossomed into a
distinctive style of action-filled historical fiction at a defining moment in
her life. With two degrees from the University of Rhode Island, Donnaβs first
book, The Courtierβs Secret won RWI-RWAβs Best First Book Award and was a
finalist for the National Readersβ Choice Award. The Secret of the Glass, her
second book, received a Single Titles Reviewersβ Choice Award and was a finalist
in the USA Best Books of the Year Contest. Also a recipient of a Single Titles
Reviewersβ Choice Award and a finalist in the USA Best Books of the Year
Contest, Donnaβs third Book, To Serve a King, was a finalist in Foreword
Magazineβs Book of the Year Award as well. The Kingβs Agent, Donnaβs latest
release, received a coveted starred review in Publishers Weekly.
In
addition to writing, teaching writing, and reviewing for literary journals,
Donna works as a model and actor; highlights of her work include two seasons on
Showtimeβs Brotherhood and an appearance in Martin Scorseseβs The Departed.
Donnaβs upcoming series, Da Vinciβs Disciples, is the story of a secret
society of women artists, under the tutelage of the great Leonardo da Vinci, who
must navigate the treacherous life of 15th century Florence while trying to
bring their artistry to the world. The first book in the series, PORTRAIT OF A
CONSPIRACY, releases in May 2016.
i love books and any type is me and tthen i love the idea of getting them and read them
(Desiree Reilly 3:28pm July 13, 2016)
I like your imagination and applied artistic license, having included a secret society of women. And thank you for your tour of Florence, both in pictures and words. Stunning! Portrait of a Conspiracy appeals to me on many levels and is a book I look forward to reading!
(Betsy Pauzauskie 4:20am July 14, 2016)
Its a great post as you always bring something new to us. I have added your blog to my favourites so that I can keep myself updated. Hopefully looking for more relevant posts in future. Thank you so much for your great efforts and keep it up Home Insurance Memphis TN
(Debra Valdez 6:44am July 14, 2016)
This book deals with two fascinations of mine: Leonardo, and the Medici family. You can't go wrong with that combo, and add a secret society of women and I think you have a big hit!
(Valerie Stein 3:53pm July 14, 2016)
The beauty of Florence is unquestionable and the secret society members appear to be strong women with a lust for life and art!
(Melody Kaufman 8:13pm July 18, 2016)
Never been to Florence but sure wish I could. I would love this book and have added it to my TBR list!!
(Bonnie Capuano 10:10am July 19, 2016)
The pictures of Florence are beautiful , they make me want to go there and see all of the city . Thanks for this chance to win this wonderful book .
(Joan Thrasher 10:20am July 19, 2016)
Love historical fiction, especially when real people are incorporated into the plot line.
(Anne Calhoun 7:05pm July 19, 2016)
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