Oil and Marble

A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo

By: Stephanie Storey

Narrated by: P. J. Ochlan

Length: 13 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

From 1501 to 1505, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti both lived and worked in Florence. Leonardo was a charming, handsome 50-year-old at the peak of his career. Michelangelo was a temperamental sculptor in his mid-20s, desperate to make a name for himself.

Michelangelo is a virtual unknown when he returns to Florence and wins the commission to carve what will become one of the most famous sculptures of all time: David. Even though his impoverished family shuns him for being an artist, he is desperate to support them. Living at the foot of his misshapen block of marble, Michelangelo struggles until the stone finally begins to speak. Working against an impossible deadline, he begins his feverish carving.

Meanwhile, Leonardo's life is falling apart: He loses the hoped-for David commission; he can't seem to finish any project; he is obsessed with his ungainly flying machine; he almost dies in war; his engineering designs disastrously fail; and he is haunted by a woman he has seen in the market - a merchant's wife, whom he is finally commissioned to paint. Her name is Lisa, and she becomes his muse.

Leonardo despises Michelangelo for his youth and lack of sophistication. Michelangelo both loathes and worships Leonardo's genius.

Oil and Marble is the story of their nearly forgotten rivalry. Storey brings early 16th-century Florence alive and has entered with extraordinary empathy into the minds and souls of two Renaissance masters. The book is an art history thriller.

©2016 Stephanie Storey (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Outstanding!

LOVED it. And the narration was the best I have heard. I am eagerly awaiting Ms Storey's next work and hope P.J. Ochlin will read it again. Wonderful!!!

Great novel fit artists

As an artist myself I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Helped me to keep each artist in his correct time period. Having visited Florence I was able to visualize what the author so carefully explained. She created a wonderful story line for these two amazing Masters of art. The David was indeed quite a sight as well as all of Michelangelo’s unfinished statues at The Academia. Now I need to visit The louvre.

A delightful adventure

Had a fantastic time listening to this book while working on my own art. I got really invested in the characters and their story - even though historically we know what happens it was still gripping to see everything unfold. The performance was fantastic and really added to the charm of the story.

History comes alive.

I had trepidations going into this novel, but I was instantly drawn in by the beautiful images and and a story of two highly competitive, highly intelligent, and fiercely emotional artists evolve into truly inspiring Renaissance Masters.

Enjoyable, if a little predictable.

Not normally my choice of fiction, but bought the book on the basis that Leonardo de Vinci is a hero. I'm not up to speed on my Italian or art history so I don't know how strictly the background events adhere to reality. However I thoroughly enjoyed the book which was enhanced by the performance of Mr Ochlan.
The plot was very predictable, the destination not a surprise , but the journey really enjoyable and the scenery lovely.
If you only have the slightest interest in these two artists or the Florentine history then you will enjoy listening to this book.

This book brought life to the art I relish!

I loved the book , especially after chapter 10. It moved better with the story becoming richer and richer. Brought new light to sacrifices artists made for what they loved. Still admiring David!

Outstanding for art and history lovers

Clever way to provide us with insight about the worlds most famous sculpture and most famous painting - the artists, times and context in which they were commissioned and completed. A total delight from start to finish. And for visitors, residents and lovers of Florence - very endearing.

Very moving for me

Really enjoyed this book. I loved the real feelings evoked by the artists, their insecurities, family issues, creative blocks, etc. much to identify with for me. Great historical art story.

Superb book.

This is a superb book about two of the most famous artists in history. The reading of the novel is very good, too

Excellent Historical Fiction

Incredibly dynamic. The rivalry sometimes feels a little artificial, but what this element lends to the story far outweighs any detriment. There’s a lot going on at any moment, and I love how passionately Storey writes about the artwork itself. Excellent historical fiction. Can’t wait to read her follow-up. Narrator Ochlan does a very good job. [AUDIBLE]