Bestselling historical fiction with over 350 5-star Goodreads ratings praised as “rich and Delicious” by Booklist
Michelangelo versus Raphael, in the deadly halls of the Vatican.
Raphael is determined to become the greatest artist in history — but to be the best, he must beat the best: the legendary sculptor of the David, Michelangelo. As Michelangelo paints the Sistine Ceiling, Raphael puts his own masterpieces on the walls of the pope’s private apartments. This art historical thriller is currently in development as a feature film by Pioneer Pictures.
“A Feast for the Senses, Every Brushstroke a Delight”
-Kate Quinn, Internationally-bestselling historical novelist
“A sumptuous, dazzling dive into the world of Italian Renaissance art through the eyes of one of its most celebrated artists.”
“Stephanie Storey takes one of the most towering figures of the Renaissance and seats him across a tavern table from the reader. Raphael’s voice is as vibrant and colorful as one of his paintings, and he positively leaps off the page and to life. Impeccably researched, this is an engaging and timely novel about the ways in which politics and art are and always have been intertwined.”
Watch Stephanie Read the Prologue
Book Description
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling is one of the most iconic masterpieces of the Renaissance. Here, in Raphael, Painter in Rome, Storey tells of its creation as never before: through the eyes of Michelangelo’s fiercest rival—the young, beautiful, brilliant painter of perfection, Raphael.
Orphaned at age eleven, Raphael is determined to keep the deathbed promise he made to his father: become the greatest artist in history. But to be the best, he must beat the best, the legendary sculptor of the David, Michelangelo Buonarroti. When Pope Julius II calls both artists down to Rome, they are pitted against each other: Michelangelo painting the Sistine Ceiling, while Raphael decorates the pope's private apartments.
As Raphael strives toward perfection in paint, he battles internal demons: his desperate ambition, crippling fear of imperfection, and unshakable loneliness. Along the way, he conspires with cardinals, scrambles through the ruins of ancient Rome, and falls in love with a baker’s-daughter-turned-prostitute who becomes his muse.
With its gorgeous writing, rich settings, endearing characters, and riveting plot, Raphael, Painter in Rome brings to vivid life these two Renaissance masters going head to head in the deadly halls of the Vatican.
“Tremendously entertaining and ‘unapologetic’ in its artistic license... Storey’s affection for the period is clear. Her narrative instincts are strong and her dialogue sharp; throughout her exposition is adroit and informative.”
“The artistic process can be one of self-doubt, struggle, and sheer physical exertion, and Storey depicts the drama here with truth and insight. A rewarding read for art aficionados and fans of historical fiction.”
“Prepare yourself to be charmed! Your Art History 101 class was never this suspenseful and fun.””