The Night Portrait

About the book

In the years between 1939 and 1943, the Nazis orchestrated the theft of every known painting by the legendary Leonardo Da Vinci, often resorting to imprisoning or even harming the original owners. This is the harrowing tale of one of the most infamous of these stolen masterpieces...

It all begins in Munich in 1939, where art conservator Edith Becker finds herself in a perilous situation under the oppressive rule of the Nazis. Tasked with locating and surrendering one of Da Vinci's prized artworks to the notorious Hans Frank – also known as the Butcher of Poland.

As Edith is confronted with the atrocities in Poland and puts her own life at risk, she secretly carries out acts of defiance while navigating the treacherous presence of Frank.

Fast forward to Milan in 1492, where Cecilia Gallerani, the captivating mistress of the Duke of Milan, must navigate courtly politics and rivals who are set on removing her from her position. In the studio of Leonardo da Vinci, she becomes the captivating subject of his latest and most ambitious portrait.

Two women, separated by centuries but linked by their pursuit of independence and identity, find themselves entangled in the sweep of history – all revolving around a single painting that holds the key to their destinies.