The Vanishing Man

In Pursuit of Velazquez

By: Laura Cumming

Narrated by: Siobhan Redmond

Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize 2016.

BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week

In 1845, a Reading bookseller named John Snare came across the dirt-blackened portrait of a prince at a country house auction. Suspecting that it might be a long-lost Velázquez, he bought the picture and set out to discover its strange history.

When Laura Cumming stumbled on a startling trial involving John Snare, it sent her on a search of her own. At first she was pursuing the picture and the life and work of the elusive painter, but then she found herself following the bookseller's fortunes, too - from London to Edinburgh to 19th-century New York, from fame to ruin and exile.

An innovative fusion of detection and biography, this audiobook shows how and why great works of art can affect us, even to the point of mania. And on the trail of John Snare, Cumming makes a surprising discovery of her own. But, most movingly, The Vanishing Man is an eloquent and passionate homage to the Spanish master Velázquez, bringing us closer to the creation and appreciation of his works than ever before.

©2016 Laura Cumming (P)2016 Random House AudioBooks

fascinating story

loved it. A Most interesting story of a man obsessed by Velasquez destroying his marriage

Six stars. Wondrous, and beautifully read.

This is a marvelous audiobook. If you are interested in painting, the techniques of painting, Spain, Velasquez - read (listen to) it. If you are intrigued by bloodhoundly following a trail, or the intensity of one man's quest for proof about the identity of something he once bought in a country house sale, or the powerful magic that a two dimensional image can produce, read (listen to) this wonderful book.
The first thing to say is that there is nothing dry or "academic" about "The Vanishing Man." It is filled to overflowing with energy and conviction. Author, Laura Cumming, follows the life of John Snare, who in the nineteenth century bought a grubby painting for 8 pounds and then devoted his life to proving it had been painted by Velazquez, the Spanish genius. Not only that, but that it depicted King Charles 1 when he was just a Prince and courting the Spanish infanta in Madrid.

It is a story of gripping fascination as Laura Cumming and Snare follow every piece of "proof" there could possibly be. John Snare, obsessed, sacrifices his life and time to the portrait, becoming involved in court trials, bankruptcy, ridicule, fame and exile.. The picture brings him high, then low, at home, and takes him abroad to America...He never gives up on his conviction.
But the book is not only about Snare's obsession. It is also about Velazquez, that humane master painter, his way of painting, his life, and the delicate truth his images represent. There is nothing dry or scholarly about the book. It is full of a passionate love of painting, especially Velasquez's painting, and as such I found it a revelation.

The book if beautifully read in a spirited and lively way which makes you think that the reader must be the author; it flows so well.

So as a detective story about the enigmatic and driven John Snare, and as a pathway through some of the greatest paintings of the equally enigmatic Velazquez, this book is highly recommended. I learnt so much from it concerning obsession, Spanish history, avarice and the good and bad in human nature. And about the life and work of that possibly greatest of all painters, Velazquez, and even about Salvador Dali's moustache.
Now back to Las Meninas...

Have A Book of Velazquez Paintings To Hand

This book is beautifully written, the story is intriguing, and Siobhan Redmond's narration is superb. I'm not sure however if it is best suited to audio, at least not for people like me who listen to books while walking or driving. The problem is that there are in-depth descriptions of several of Velazquez's works and unless you are *very* familiar with them you will find it frustrating if you don't have a book of the artist's paintings to hand that you can refer to while listening. Which of course is impossible when walking, running or driving. I do have such a book but there was an obvious disconnect between listening to the story while out and about and then checking out the paintings referred to hours later. Not ideal. I presume the hard copy book has photos of the artworks concerned and for that reason I think buying the paper book would be the best option in this instance.

Magnificent first art book

I heard this book introduced on the Little Atoms podcast. It's definitely not my usual fare but the interview with the author made it sound interesting.

I came away with a sense of the importance of Velasquez and his peerless art. The story of John Snare is fascinating too and the mystery at the heart of the book is compelling.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone unfamiliar with the art world. Laura Cumming has written a brilliant, accessible book.

An artists writer

An artists writer very beautifully written and read, thank you for a real treat ❤️❤️❤️

good but it just goes on and on and on and on

4 chapters from the end it became quite unbearable.
don't get me wrong! interesting subject, well written and great narrator.
however, it just goes on and on and on and on...
would give 5 stars if the book would be more concise.

Superb!

Best book so far this year. Intriguing story, beautifully written and wonderful narration. Heartily recommended.