The Eyes That Look : The Secret Story of Bassano’s Hunting Dogs

We mayhave eyes that look – but how clearly do we see?Thiscompelling novel of art and adventure, Julia Grigg’s debut, is set in the feverishcreativity of mid-sixteenth century Italy. Francesco Bassano wants to find outhow and why an extraordinary painting was made; the story traces his quest to discoverthe secrets of the portrait’s past. Francesco’s journey, his coming-of-age, takeshim and his questions to Venice, Verona, Maser and Florence. Encountering theHigh Renaissance’s masters Titian, Veronese and Vasari in the very act ofcreating and recording the era’s stupendous art and architecture, he is witnessto astonishing achievements. Enthralled, he learns of the determination needed forinnovation and the sacrifices demanded of an artist if cherished ambition is tobecome reality. Little by little he unravels what lies behind the painting,gaining new understanding of love, truth and beauty, and of loyalty, devotionand the unbreakable bond between a master and his dogs. However, in delvingdeeper, the past’s dark side reveals itself: cruelty, inhumanity and humanfrailty ­­– and Francesco cannot avoid the experience of bitter betrayal. Aspirited, entertaining fiction drawing on historical facts, The Eyes that Look is multi-sensual inits storytelling, inviting readers to revel in the unrivalled artistic richesof the Italian Renaissance.