The Golden Tulip: A NovelFrancesca’s father is a well-known painter in the bustling port city of Amsterdam; he is also a gambler. Though their household is in economic chaos, thankfully the lessons she learned in his studio have prepared her to study with Johannes Vermeer, the master of Delft. When she arrives to begin her apprenticeship, Francesca is stunned to find rules, written in her father’s hand, insisting that she give up the freedoms she once enjoyed at home- including her friendship with Pieter van Doorne, a tulip merchant. Unaware of a terrible bargain her father has made against her future, Francesca pursues her growing affection for Pieter even as she learns to paint like Vermeer, in layers of light. As her talent blooms, “tulip mania” sweeps the land, and fortunes are being made on a single bulb. What seems like a boon for Pieter instead reveals the extent of the betrayal of Francesca’s father. And as the two learn the true nature of the obstacles in their path, a patron of Francesca’s father determines to do anything in his power to ensure she stays within the limits that have been set for her. The Golden Tulip brings one of the most exciting periods of Dutch history alive, creating a page-turning novel that is as vivid and unforgettable as a Vermeer painting. |
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Adriaen Aletta Amalia Amsterdam Anna apprenticeship arms artist asked bedchamber betrothal bulbs Catharina chair Clara clavichord coach Constantijn Dam Square daughter Delft Deventer door Doorne easel everything eyes face father Francesca Frans Hals gave Geetruyd girls glance gone gown Griet Haarlem hair hand happened head heard Heer Hendrick hope Jan Vermeer Janetje Jansz Josephus Juffrouw keep kissed kitchen knew leave letter looked Ludolf Maria marriage married matter Mechelin morning mother Muiden Neeltje never night once painting Pieter Pieter de Hooch portrait reception hall Rembrandt replied Sara seen shoulder side sister smiled soon spoke stage wagon stairs stay stood studio sure Sybylla talk tell There's thought told took tulip turned van Jansz Vermeer Visser voice Vrouw Wolff waiting Weintje wife Willem window wish woman young