Publication

We may have eyes that look – but how clearly do we see?The Eyes That Look is a novel of art and adventure, set in the feverish creativity of mid-sixteenth century Italy.

A spirited, entertaining fiction spun from research into the historical record, this is storytelling at its most sensual, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the world of Italian Renaissance artistic richness

The protagonist is Francesco Bassano, a seventeen year-old who responds to a challenge to find out how and why an extraordinary painting had been made by his artist father, Jacopo. The story follows Francesco’s steps as, after having broken with his father who refuses to impart the information he seeks, he sets out to discover the secrets of the portrait's past.

Francesco’s journey, his coming-of-age traversing the Veneto, takes him and his relentless questions to Venice, Verona, Maser and Florence. Encountering the High Renaissance's masters Titian, Veronese and Vasari in the very act of creating and recording the era's stupendous art and architecture, he is witness to astonishing achievements.

Enthralled, he learns of the determination needed for innovation and the sacrifices demanded of an artist if cherished ambition is to become realityLittle by little, as Francesco unravels the drama of what lies behind the painting he’s so curious about, he gains new understanding of truth and beauty, and of loyalty, devotion and the unbreakable bond between a master and his dogs. However, as he delves deeper, the past's dark side reveals itself: avarice, cruelty, inhumanity, human frailty.

Francesco, exposed to guile and deceit as well as indifference – but also learning to appreciate how unconditional love will always provide a safe haven – finds a happy resolution with which he moves forward to an artistic future. Ultimately though, he is to learn that he cannot completely rid himself of the bitterness of the betrayals that are to mark out his future life as an artist and a man