The bubonic plague is spread by fleas. As a waterlogged city and a gateway to the world, Venice was especially vulnerable to outbreaks. Over many centuries, smaller and larger epidemics terrorized the city. The 1510 plague portrayed in this story took the life of 32-year-old Giorgione, one of the most celebrated painters of the Venetian Renaissance.
To see pictures and learn more about the research behind this book, visit www.lauramorelli.com/TPABonus. There you will find videos, images, and in-depth background research on:
• The bubonic plague in Venice
• Locations and vocabulary used in this book
• Saracens in Europe
• The lazzaretti
• Gilding in Venice
• Gilded boxes like the ones Maria makes in this story
• Painting in Renaissance Venice
• Suggestions for further reading
• And much more!
And, if you would like to recommend The Painter’s Apprentice to your book club, you will also find a book club guide there.