The Second Mrs. Giaconda facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | E. L. Konigsburg |
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| Illustrator | Leonardo da Vinci black and white museum plates |
| Cover artist | Leonardo da Vinci, Heads of (an Old Man and) a Youth, c. 1495. |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Published | 1975 (Atheneum Books) |
| Media type | Print (hardcover & paperback) |
| Pages | 138 pp + 10 plates |
| ISBN | 0-689-30480-3 |
The Second Mrs. Gioconda is a historical novel for young readers by E. L. Konigsburg. It tells a story set mainly in Milan, Italy. The book features the famous artist Leonardo da Vinci, his helper Salai, and a duchess named Beatrice d'Este.
Through Salai's eyes, the story explores the mystery behind Leonardo da Vinci's most famous painting, the Mona Lisa. The book was published in 1975. It includes pictures of da Vinci's art, some of which are important to the story.
Contents
The Story of the Book
The book starts by asking a big question: Why did Leonardo da Vinci paint the portrait of the second wife of a regular merchant? Many important dukes and duchesses wanted him to paint them! The story then introduces Salai, Leonardo's young helper. We learn about Salai from Leonardo's own notes.
Salai and Leonardo
The first parts of the story show us Salai and Leonardo's special relationship. Salai was the son of a poor shoemaker. Leonardo found him trying to steal something. Instead of being angry, Leonardo took Salai in as his apprentice. This meant Salai would learn from the master artist.
However, Salai was a bit of a troublemaker. He would often get into small mischief. He even sold some of Leonardo's drawings! But Leonardo seemed to understand Salai.
Beatrice d'Este Arrives
Later, a young princess named Beatrice comes to Milan. She marries Il Moro, who is the duke of Milan. The duke had hoped to marry Beatrice's older, more beautiful sister, Isabella d'Este. He also had a very beautiful friend named Cecilia Gallerani, who Leonardo had already painted.
When Salai first sees Beatrice, he thinks she looks "small and dark and perfectly plain." Beatrice herself feels a bit plain. She even tries to make her hair blond in the sun! But Beatrice and Salai soon find they both enjoy a bit of fun and mischief.
Beatrice and the Duke
Beatrice tells Leonardo that she wishes she could win her husband's love. Leonardo asks her what she can offer him that Cecilia cannot. Beatrice says she can offer her "sense of fun."
Salai and Leonardo often visit Beatrice. She becomes very popular in Milan. People start to call her "our duchess." She eventually wins her husband's love. When her sister Isabella visits, Isabella is surprised. She sees how many smart and talented people are drawn to Beatrice.
Beatrice's Influence
As Beatrice grows older, she becomes more involved in important matters. She also starts collecting many beautiful clothes and jewels. She doesn't spend as much time with Salai anymore.
However, Beatrice still shares her thoughts with Salai. She talks about Leonardo's huge horse statue, which was never finished. She also helps Salai understand Leonardo's amazing talent. She tells Salai that Leonardo needs "something wild, something irresponsible in his work." She believes Salai must help Leonardo with this.
The Mona Lisa's Secret
The merchant Gioconda and his wife, Lisa, only appear at the very end of the book. They visit Leonardo's studio when he is away. By this time, Beatrice has approved Leonardo's famous painting, The Last Supper. Sadly, Beatrice has also passed away.
Milan has been taken over by French forces. Leonardo has moved to another city. Duchess Isabella, Beatrice's sister, has been trying for years to get Leonardo to paint her portrait. Salai finds this quite amusing. He knows that some things, even for a duchess, are just out of reach.
Inspired by Beatrice and Isabella, Salai decides he must convince Leonardo to paint Lisa. This is how the book suggests the Mona Lisa came to be.
How the Book Was Created
Author E. L. Konigsburg once felt a bit annoyed with Leonardo da Vinci. But after reading an essay about him, she began to admire him greatly. She was especially interested in the idea that even Leonardo, a genius, sometimes felt unsure of himself. This idea helped her write The Second Mrs. Gioconda.
Awards and Recognition
The Second Mrs. Gioconda was recognized as a great book for young adults. The American Library Association named it a Best Book of the Year for Young Adults in 1975.
Images for kids
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First edition cover
