“Art is the lie, that makes us realize the truth.” — Picasso
The Paradox of Art lies in the fact that art, though constructed from the artist’s imagination and subjectivity, resonates with our own experiences and perceptions, allowing us to connect with the underlying truths it embodies. By engaging with art, we are invited to explore different perspectives, question our assumptions, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world.
Hi, I’m Melissa
I’m an artist, Italian teacher, language blogger, author, and art historian. My passion for art history led me to study it in college and earn a Master’s degree in the subject. “The Art of Loving Italy” came into being after I published my first book, Dreaming Sophia, in 2016—a novel set in Italy that celebrates the country’s vibrant tapestry of artists, musicians, and actors.
My love for art and history has inspired me to write three more novels, each set in Italy. Waking Isabella (2017) takes place in Arezzo and intertwines the story of Isabella de’ Medici with a Bronzino portrait that goes missing during World War II. My third book, Eternally Artemisia (2018), creatively weaves a contemporary storyline with the life of Artemisia Gentileschi. My fourth novel, The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola—the most famous woman you’ve never heard of Anguissola (2020), follows the remarkable journey of Sofonisba Anguissola—a woman praised by Michelangelo and Vasari—from Cremona to Rome, Spain, and Sicily.
“The Art of Loving Italy” is more than just a website about art;
it’s a mindset, a way of perceiving the world and all its beauty.
Art, though not a literal representation of reality, acts as a powerful medium that conveys and unveils deeper truths. It underscores the transformative power of art to transcend the superficial, inviting us to engage with the profound and often elusive aspects of human existence.
Posts on the Art of Loving Italy site are meant to be both informative and entertaining and maybe even a little thought-provoking. I love uncovering the oddities and absurdities of the art world, believing that art should never be boring or stuffy. Each artist and painting has an incredible story to tell, and as an art historian, I feel like a detective uncovering these hidden tales. Scratch the surface of any artwork, and you’ll be amazed by what you discover.
Join me in exploring the rich world of Italian art and history,
and discover the stories that art has to tell.
More from Melissa
