An art historian incline towards books on visual arts and art history to understand functionalized dramas. Some books offer luxuriously drawn characters and evocative descriptions. For historical fiction, comedic and romantic tales to psychological classics and thrills, here is a list of top novels and publications for art aficionados.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
This richly coming-of-age story sets in current day America. Theo Decker, a 13-year-old, left parentless afterward a terrorist attack at a sculpture museum. A wealthy family of friend adopts him. Befuddled by a fantastic home on Park Street, and lonely amongst wealthy schoolmates. He adheres to a Golden Age Dutch Painting that returns him to the memories of his mother. The Goldfinch becomes a solo hope, and this tiny masterpiece draws him into the art’s underworld. With the passage of time, Theo Decker learns to slither between drawing rooms of dusty antiques and rich stores. It is an old story of obsession and loss.
The Collector by John Fowles
A classic psychosomatic thriller of John Fowles is about Frederick Clegg. The debuted novel is about a deserted young man Frederic Clegg. He collects butterflies and becomes preoccupied with an art pupil “Miranda Grey” at the Fine Art Slade School. After praising her from a particular distance, he has decided to make her a part of his beautiful collection. He was hopeful that he could keep her imprisoned for a more extended period and she will start loving him.
Girl with Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
Johannes Vermeer “a Dutch Painter” and his famous painting (Girl with one Pearl Earring) inspires this particular novel. The story revolves around a Dutch girl “Griet” who was a maid in Johannes Vermeer’s house. She attracts the attention of painter with her perceptive style. Although, their growing intimacy spreads jealousy and disruption within the household and the world. Themes of blindness and vision, along with the notion of sacrifices and artistic genius are central subjects of this book.
What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt
The novel starts in 1975 in New York in the era of Leo Hertzberg. He was an art historian who discovered an amazing painting of an unknown artist in SoHo gallery. After purchasing the work, he searches the artist, Bill Wechsler and starts his life-long friendship. The story of Leo revolves around his 25 years of life and follows the complicated relationship between Bill and his families, such as two men and their wives Violet and Erica and sons Mark and Matthew. It is a moving story that teems with notions about betrayal, loss, love, emotions, aesthetic meaning and contemporary art.
You can get classic and historical art books from online sites like books run. This website is an excellent source of historical novels at discounted prices. You will also like “The Food of Love by Anthony Capella” and “The Picture of the Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.” Get these books from online stores to read without increasing your expense. You can have these novels in your digital library.