Subject
Painters -- Fiction Books
Best books
W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
The Moon and Sixpence
"The Moon and Sixpence" by W. Somerset Maugham is a novel published in 1919. It follows Charles Strickland, a middle-aged English stockbroker who abruptly abandons his wife and children to pursue his obsession with becoming an artist. Living in poverty and indifferent to those around him, Strickland destroys relationships in his single-minded pursuit of art and beauty. Inspired by Paul Gauguin's life, the story explores the myth of the artist-genius through a journey from London to Paris to Tahiti.
Honoré de Balzac
The Unknown Masterpiece 1845
"The Unknown Masterpiece" by Honoré de Balzac is a short story first published in 1831. Set in seventeenth-century Paris, it follows three painters: the young unknown Nicolas Poussin, the established Porbus, and the enigmatic master Frenhofer. For ten years, Frenhofer has labored obsessively on a secret painting he believes will be his greatest triumph. When Poussin offers his beautiful lover as a model, the completion draws near—but what will the finished work reveal? A profound meditation on artistic perfection and obsession.
Wilkie Collins
Hide and Seek
"Hide and Seek" by Wilkie Collins is a novel published in 1854. Collins' first mystery work follows the search for a young woman's hidden past. When Matthew Grice returns from the California goldfields, he discovers his sister died after being cast out pregnant and unwed. Determined to find her child, Mat's investigation leads him to Madonna, a deaf performer adopted by a kindly painter, and unveils long-buried family secrets that will change multiple lives forever.
Francis Hopkinson Smith
The Fortunes of Oliver Horn
"The Fortunes of Oliver Horn" by Francis Hopkinson Smith is a novel set in the mid-19th century that explores themes of ambition, family expectations, and the quest for self-identity during a time of societal change. The narrative centers around young Oliver Horn and his relationship with his father, Richard Horn, a passionate inventor, as Oliver struggles between his own artistic aspirations and the weight of familial expectations to follow a more conventional path in law, as his father once did. The opening of the novel introduces Kennedy Square, a vibrant and picturesque neighborhood filled with lively characters and lush surroundings. It paints a vivid picture of the Horn family's home, emphasizing the warmth and camaraderie within the household, particularly through the interactions with their loyal servant, Malachi. We meet Richard Horn, an inventor absorbed in his work, and glimpse Oliver's budding ambitions towards becoming a painter, which are at odds with his mother's desires for him to pursue a career in law. His mother's anxieties regarding Oliver's future become apparent, setting the stage for the conflicts he will face as he seeks his own path amidst the loving but traditional expectations of his family and community.
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
The small bachelor
"The Small Bachelor" by P. G. Wodehouse is a novel published in 1927. Set in Greenwich Village during Prohibition, it follows George Finch, a shy amateur artist who falls for Molly Waddington. Standing in his way is Molly's socially ambitious stepmother, who schemes to marry her off to an English lord instead. With help from his self-help-author friend and an unlikely fortune teller, George must navigate mistaken identities, fake jewelry, police raids, and romantic rivals to win his bride.
Honoré de Balzac
The Hidden Masterpiece
"The Hidden Masterpiece" by Honoré de Balzac is a short story first published in 1831. Set in seventeenth-century Paris, it follows young painter Nicolas Poussin as he encounters the enigmatic master Frenhofer, who has spent ten years perfecting a secret painting of a beautiful courtesan. When Poussin offers his own lover as a model to help complete the work, the unveiling of Frenhofer's hidden canvas leads to an unexpected revelation about art, obsession, and the gap between vision and reality.
Sigrid Undset
Jenny: A Novel
"Jenny: A Novel" by Sigrid Undset is a fiction work written in the early 20th century. The novel introduces the character of Helge Gram, a Norwegian artist who finds himself exploring Rome, navigating the vibrant city and its history, while reflecting on his own feelings of loneliness and aspiration. The story appears to revolve around themes of love, self-discovery, and the artistic journey set against the backdrop of the eternal city. The opening of the novel presents Helge as he revels in the beauty of Rome while grappling with his solitude and yearning for connection. He immerses himself in the enchanting sights, sounds, and history of the city, while recalling his disappointment in finding it not quite as he imagined. Helge encounters two young Norwegian women, Jenny Winge and Francesca Jahrman, sparking his desire for engagement in this foreign land. As he interacts with them, he navigates budding friendships and the complexities of youthful romance, laying the groundwork for the emotional and transformative journey that lies ahead.
Clara Louise Burnham
The Inner Flame: A Novel
"The Inner Flame: A Novel" by Clara Louise Burnham is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. This novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and personal growth set against a backdrop of human struggles and relationships. Central to the story are Mary Sidney and her son Philip, as they navigate their lives in a remote mountain cabin and cope with the complexities of art, familial expectations, and the search for meaning. At the start of the narrative, readers find themselves in a cozy mountain cabin during a fierce November storm, where Mary Sidney and her cousin, Mrs. Fabian, engage in a conversation reflecting on their lives and the passage of time. As Mary reveals her deep connection with her son Philip, an aspiring artist, and her struggle with the limitations imposed by her mining engineer husband, the weight of family dynamics and external expectations become apparent. The scene is set for the unfolding drama in Philip’s artistic ambitions and the various challenges he faces as he seeks to honor his mother’s legacy while grappling with his own identity.
Booth Tarkington
The Guest of Quesnay
"The Guest of Quesnay" by Booth Tarkington is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story is set in Paris and centers around George Ward, a portrait painter, as he navigates the vibrant and sometimes seedy life of the boulevards. The narrative begins with Ward observing the various characters that populate the Parisian streets, including the notable figure Larrabee Harman, whose scandalous life has led to a severe decline in his fortune and reputation. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to the lively atmosphere of Paris, filled with diverse characters including wealthy patrons and struggling artists. Ward, who has become a successful painter, finds himself drawn into the narrative through his recognition of Harman, a former acquaintance who has succumbed to a life of debauchery. As the plot unfolds, Ward's world is intertwined with that of Harman and the enigmatic dancer Mariana, reflecting themes of fame, downfall, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of Parisian life. The opening scenes establish a rich visual tapestry, drawing readers into a world full of color, intrigue, and the pulse of the city.
Sigrid Undset
Jenny
"Jenny" by Sigrid Undset is a novel published in 1911. The story follows Jenny, a painter who succeeds in her art but fails in love. She navigates complex relationships with fellow artist Gunnar Heggen, a young man named Helge Gram, and his father Gert. Set partly in Rome, the novel explores themes of artistic life, troubled romance, and emotional turmoil as Jenny struggles between friendship and love, ultimately facing tragic consequences that reshape all their lives.
Eleanor Hoyt Brainerd
Pegeen
"Pegeen" by Eleanor Hoyt Brainerd is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a small girl named Pegeen O’Neill and her unexpected relationship with a painter named John Archibald, who has retreated to the countryside seeking solace from his life in New York City. As Pegeen enters his life, she offers companionship and care, gradually impacting his artistic spirit and emotional well-being. The opening of the novel introduces Pegeen as a determined and caring child who takes it upon herself to look after John Archibald, a man burdened by his past and striving for peace in the solitude of nature. The narrative begins with Pegeen's arrival at Archibald's rustic cabin, where she nonchalantly suggests cleaning up his messy kitchen. Despite the initial humorous tension and Archibald's reluctance, Pegeen's cheerful demeanor and insightful observations start to lighten his burdened heart. As the story unfolds, a sense of community is established, and strong bonds form between Pegeen, Archibald, and the supportive figures in their lives—the Smiling Lady, who is a positive influence, and the friendly neighbors who provide a lively backdrop to their evolving relationship.
E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson
Thorley Weir
"Thorley Weir" by E. F. Benson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Arthur Craddock, a middle-aged art critic, who is visiting his friend Philip Wroughton and his attractive daughter, Joyce. The narrative introduces themes of desire, ambition, and artistic appreciation, set against the backdrop of a hot summer day by the Thames. The opening of the book paints an evocative picture of a particularly stifling June day, leading Arthur Craddock to relive his anticipation of visiting his friend’s riverside home. As he navigates his complex feelings towards the charming and youthful Joyce, the dynamics of their interactions highlight a blend of admiration and self-awareness regarding their age difference. Through Craddock's thoughts, the story hints at his aspirations to acquire both Joyce’s admiration and her father’s Reynolds portrait, exploring his perceptions of beauty and potential regret tied to his material desires. Such exchanges foreshadow a deeper exploration of relationships, artistic integrity, and the underlying tensions between ambition and genuine connection.
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