There actually are quite a number of novels about art. There are the very popular ones like Girl with a Pearl Earring and The da Vinci Code. But I've been wanting to read some lesser known novels that have had good reviews.
Here are some I have on my "To Read" list, in no particular order.
A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline is a 2017 historical novel that fictionalizes the life of Christina Olson, the woman who inspired Andrew Wyeth's 1948 painting "Christina's World."
Seek My Face by John Updike is a 2002 novel that looks at the American art scene in the second half of the 20th century. The story unfolds over a single day in the spring of 2001 and is structured as an interview between a young journalist and an elderly, famous painter.
The Unknown Masterpiece is a short story by Honoré de Balzac. It was first published in 1831. It is set in 17th century Paris and revolves around three painters, exporing artistic creation and the relationship between art and life.
Girl Reading is a novel by Katie Ward that explores the lives of seven different women throughout history. Each of the vignettes is inspired by a real or imagined portrait of a woman reading., spanning from 1333 to 2060.
The Muralist by B.A. Shapiro is a historical novel that weaves art, politics and a family mystery in pre WWII New York City. The story alternates between 1939-1940 and Alizé Benoit, an American artist working for the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and her great niece Danielle Abrams in the present day.
Claude and Camille is a historical novel that chronicles the relationship between Monet and his first wife. It focuses on the 19th century Paris art scene and group who would later for the impressionist movement.
The Matisse Stories, a collection of three stories was published in 1993. The stories are not just about paintings, they use Matisse's art to explore the characters' lives.
Sacré Bleu takes place in 19th century Paris. There seem to be quite a number of novels written about the early impressionists. It combines art history, mystery and the supernatural and focuses on the "Sacre Bleu paint that seems to be a supernatural source of inspiration and madness for many artists.
Lisette's List, Susan Vreeland historical novel takes place in France during WWII. It revolves around Lisette, a Parisian woman, who moves with her husband André from Paris to Provence. The theme of the story is about awakening to the power of art and the beauty of provincial life.
Life Studies is another book that looks good by Susan Vreeland. It is a collection of 8 historical stories about the creation of art and the lives of people who either make the art or are touched by it.
So these are the top ten on my reading list. I hope you are inspired. The question now is which one should I read first? Think I will dive in with Vreeland's short stories.