The Lost Painting

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In an Italian hilltop village near the Adriatic, a young graduate student, Francesca Cappelletti, uncovers a hidden archive in a dusty palazzo basement. This discovery ignites her quest for a priceless lost painting by Caravaggio, the master of the Italian Baroque, whose tumultuous life was marked by genius and personal demons. Four centuries ago, Caravaggio's life was a whirlwind of drinking and fighting in Rome, where he created emotionally powerful art while grappling with his violent nature. His eventual murder conviction forced him to flee, leading to a mysterious early death. Today, scholars estimate that only sixty to eighty of his works survive, with many more lost to history, possibly hidden in plain sight. Prizewinning author Jonathan Harr chronicles Francesca's captivating journey to locate the long-lost masterpiece, The Taking of Christ. After finding a clue in the archive, she traces the painting's history across Europe, ultimately meeting art restorer Sergio Benedetti in Ireland, who helps her piece together the mystery. Harr's narrative blends history and detective work, vividly bringing Caravaggio's turbulent career and stunning art to life. His storytelling is both engaging and insightful, offering a rich exploration of obsession, art, and the complexities of human desire. The book is a compelling mix of travelogue and historical narrative, capturing the essence of Rome and the allure of its art.