The Last Painting Of Sara De Vos - A Captivating Tale of Art and Redemption

In the vast world of art, there are certain paintings that transcend time and captivate audiences with their beauty and mysterious stories. One such painting that embodies the essence of intrigue and redemption is "The Last Painting of Sara De Vos" by Australian author Dominic Smith. This mesmerizing masterpiece takes readers on a journey through three different timelines, blending fact and fiction seamlessly to create a riveting narrative.

The Plot

In "The Last Painting of Sara De Vos," Smith introduces us to three main characters whose lives become intricately intertwined through the power of art. The novel unfolds in Amsterdam during the 1600s, New York City in the 1950s, and Sydney in the early 2000s.

The story begins in the 17th century, where we are introduced to Sara De Vos, a talented Dutch painter who is one of the few women allowed to paint during that era. Her passion for art leads her to create her most exceptional work, a hauntingly beautiful landscape depicting a young girl at a deserted lake. Little does she know that this painting will become her last, leaving a profound impact on the art world for centuries to come.

The Last Painting of Sara de Vos: A Novel

by Dominic Smith(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3703 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	327 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE

Fast forward to the 1950s, and we meet Ellie Shipley, an Australian art historian and restoration expert. Ellie, haunted by a mistake she made during her studies, finds herself presented with an opportunity to restore the long-lost masterpiece painted by Sara De Vos. Ignoring her ethical code, Ellie takes on the project, embarking on a journey that will change her life forever.

The story then jumps to Sydney in the early 2000s, where we follow the life of Marty de Groot, a wealthy lawyer and owner of the painting restored by Ellie. As the art world gears up for an exhibition featuring the work of female Dutch painters, Marty discovers that his painting might not be the original but a meticulously crafted forgery.

The Themes

"The Last Painting of Sara De Vos" explores various themes, including the allure of art, the power of redemption, and the complex nature of authenticity. Smith delves into the intricate processes of art restoration and the profound impact that one painting can have on different lives across centuries.

The novel also addresses the challenges faced by female artists throughout history, providing a glimpse into the limited opportunities they had to make a name for themselves. Through Sara De Vos' character, Smith sheds light on the resilience and determination of women artists who defied societal norms to pursue their passion.

The Writing Style

Smith's writing style is exquisite, capturing the essence of each era and seamlessly transitioning between timelines. His meticulous attention to detail allows readers to visualize the paintings vividly and immerse themselves in the world of art. The pacing of the novel keeps readers engaged, as they eagerly anticipate the resolution of the mystery surrounding the painting.

"The Last Painting of Sara De Vos" is a captivating novel that delves into the world of art with finesse and elegance. Smith's portrayal of art, redemption, and authenticity creates a tale that will leave readers spellbound until the very last page. Whether you are a lover of art, historical fiction, or simply crave a compelling story, this novel is bound to captivate your imagination and take you on a remarkable journey through time.

The Last Painting of Sara de Vos: A Novel

by Dominic Smith(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3703 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	327 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE

"Written in prose so clear that we absorb its images as if by mind meld, 'The Last Painting' is gorgeous storytelling: wry, playful, and utterly alive, with an almost tactile awareness of the emotional contours of the human heart. Vividly detailed, acutely sensitive to stratifications of gender and class, it's fiction that keeps you up at night ― first because you're barreling through the book, then because you've slowed your pace to a crawl, savoring the suspense." ―Boston Globe

• A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice
• A New York Times Bestseller

A RARE SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY PAINTING LINKS THREE LIVES, ON THREE CONTINENTS, OVER THREE CENTURIES IN THE LAST PAINTING OF SARA DE VOS, AN EXHILARATING NEW NOVEL FROM DOMINIC SMITH.
Amsterdam, 1631: Sara de Vos becomes the first woman to be admitted as a master painter to the city's Guild of St. Luke. Though women do not paint landscapes (they are generally restricted to indoor subjects),a wintry outdoor scene haunts Sara: She cannot shake the image of a young girl from a nearby village, standing alone beside a silver birch at dusk, staring out at a group of skaters on the frozen river below. Defying the expectations of her time, she decides to paint it.
New York City, 1957: The only known surviving work of Sara de Vos, At the Edge of a Wood, hangs in the bedroom of a wealthy Manhattan lawyer, Marty de Groot, a descendant of the original owner. It is a beautiful but comfortless landscape. The lawyer's marriage is prominent but comfortless, too. When a struggling art history grad student, Ellie Shipley, agrees to forge the painting for a dubious art dealer, she finds herself entangled with its owner in ways no one could predict.
Sydney, 2000: Now a celebrated art historian and curator, Ellie Shipley is mounting an exhibition in her field of specialization: female painters of the Dutch Golden Age. When it becomes apparent that both the original At the Edge of a Wood and her forgery are en route to her museum, the life she has carefully constructed threatens to unravel entirely and irrevocably.