The Master of the Prado

De: Javier Sierra

Narrado por: Ralph Lister

Presented as a fictionalized autobiography, The Master of the Prado begins in Madrid in 1990, when Sierra encounters a mysterious stranger named Luis Fovel within the halls of the Prado. Fovel takes him on a whirlwind tour and promises to uncover startling secrets hidden in the museum's masterpieces - secrets that open up a whole new world to Sierra.

The enigmatic Fovel reveals how a variety of visions, prophesies, conspiracies, and even heresies inspired masters such as Raphael, Titian, Hieronymus Bosch, Botticelli, Brueghel, and El Greco. The secrets they concealed in their paintings are stunning enough to change the way we think about art, uncovering mysteries about historical facts, secret sects, and prophetical theories. It is these secrets that lead Sierra to question his entire understanding of art history and unearth groundbreaking discoveries about European art.

At once a captivating novel and a reference guide to Madrid's famed museum, The Master of the Prado is full of insights and intriguing mysteries. Sierra brings historical characters alive in this astounding narrative filled with dazzling surprises that will entrance you.

©2013 Picatrix S. L. English language translation copyright 2015 by Jasper Reid (P)2016 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Sierra has produced not only a thrilling work of historical fiction but also a wonderful literary companion to visitors of the Prado." ( Library Journal)

A trip through the Prado

A intriguing romp through the Prado and a unexpected look into iconography (Iconography involves the investigation of an object of art in terms of description and classification. This study involves identification of the object and interpreting its content, such as recognizing themes, symbols, and allegories. Written as Historical Fiction with the protagonist as the author of his own autobiography, which was a new perspective for me!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For a particular interest

I love art history and particularly stories involving mysticism and alchemy. That is what drew me to this story. However perfect the subject matter was for me, it failed to deliver a plot and fully formed characters that satisfied those equally important requirements. Something may have been lost in translation, but it wasn't compelling writing either. Still, there are few books that go down this path, so I was entertained. I doubt the average reader would be as patient or care when the plot is non-existent and the telling flat. The narrator tried to add some life but it ended up sounding overly acted. My 3 stars are support for the subject matter and the research done, but if you are looking for a great story, this isn't it.