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The Center of the World

A Novel of J. M. W. Turner and His Lost Painting

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Alternating between nineteenth-century England and present-day New York, this narrative follows renowned British painter J. M. W. Turner and his circle of patrons and lovers, alongside Henry Leiden, a middle-aged man grappling with a troubled marriage and a dead-end job. Henry's life changes dramatically upon discovering Turner's mesmerizing painting, The Center of the World, depicting Helen of Troy, which was believed lost for nearly two centuries. This artwork, with its devastating erotic power, has been hidden and even thought destroyed until Henry finds it in a secret compartment at his summer home in the Adirondacks. Although aware of its immense value, he is captivated by the painting's revelation of a transcendent world filled with light, joy, and possibility. Meanwhile, Turner wrestles with creating his greatest work, meeting his patron, Lord Egremont, who provides a space for Turner to discuss his art and beliefs. We also encounter Elizabeth Spencer, Egremont's mistress and Turner's muse, the model for Helen. In the present, Henry is pursued by a relentless art dealer eager to acquire the painting at any cost. This richly textured novel delves into the intersection of art and eroticism, exploring themes of beauty, love, and desire.

Acquisto del libro

The Center of the World, Thomas Van Essen

Lingua
Pubblicato
2013
product-detail.submit-box.info.binding
(In brossura),
Condizioni del libro
Danneggiato
Prezzo
10,29 €

Metodi di pagamento

Sottotitolo
A Novel of J. M. W. Turner and His Lost Painting
Lingua
Inglese
Pubblicato
2013
Formato
In brossura
Pagine
375
ISBN10
1590515498
ISBN13
9781590515495
Serie
Descrizione
Alternating between nineteenth-century England and present-day New York, this narrative follows renowned British painter J. M. W. Turner and his circle of patrons and lovers, alongside Henry Leiden, a middle-aged man grappling with a troubled marriage and a dead-end job. Henry's life changes dramatically upon discovering Turner's mesmerizing painting, The Center of the World, depicting Helen of Troy, which was believed lost for nearly two centuries. This artwork, with its devastating erotic power, has been hidden and even thought destroyed until Henry finds it in a secret compartment at his summer home in the Adirondacks. Although aware of its immense value, he is captivated by the painting's revelation of a transcendent world filled with light, joy, and possibility. Meanwhile, Turner wrestles with creating his greatest work, meeting his patron, Lord Egremont, who provides a space for Turner to discuss his art and beliefs. We also encounter Elizabeth Spencer, Egremont's mistress and Turner's muse, the model for Helen. In the present, Henry is pursued by a relentless art dealer eager to acquire the painting at any cost. This richly textured novel delves into the intersection of art and eroticism, exploring themes of beauty, love, and desire.