September 1, 2021
Venice, 1612. Two very different women, a notorious courtesan and a Talmudic scholar, are brought together by an artist when they pose for a Gallery of Beauties, forming a relationship neither of them anticipated.
Conflicted about her past, Belladonna finds herself drawn to Diana, the rabbi’s widowed daughter, and has ambitions for her future, but only if Diana will discard her origins and her traditions. While Diana is torn by indecision, Belladonna feels threatened, as one by one, the subjects of the portraits are poisoned. The two women must rely on their wits and each other to avoid becoming the next victims, as they confront the powerful men who seek to control them and Venice.
Discussion Questions
Courtesy of Nina Wachsman
- What do you think led Diana to overcome her fears and pragmatism to go to the artist’s studio to be painted for the Gallery of Beauties?
- Do you think the romance is real between Diana and Mattia the artist, do you think Diana is really attracted to him but afraid to admit it? Do you think the attraction between them is enough to overcome the taboos and danger of such an alliance that could make it viable?
- What struck you the most about the relationship between Diana and her father? Do you think she could turn her back on her father to take advantage of all the opportunities offered her outside of the Ghetto?
- Despite Belladonna’s ambitions for her, how do you think she feels about Diana’s refusal to leave the Ghetto? Does she respect it, or does she think its outdated? How can you tell?
- What do you think instigated Arundel’s commission for the Gallery of Beauties? Did it seem impromptu or fully planned?
- What do you think is driving Morosini’s interest in Diana?
