Jun 2, 2022
In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Eden Collinsworth about her book, What the Ermine Saw. A story over 500 years in the making, this is a book that needs to be read. Ludovico Sforza, duke of Milan commissioned Leonardo da Vinci to capture his mistress, Cecilia Gallerani in a portrait as a symbol of his power and her beauty. I think Leonardo might have captured even more in the painting. Lost for over 200 years after Cecilia's death this painting has survived multiple wars and destruction while changing hands from one owner to the next. A painting of an amazing woman, this painting was championed and saved by amazing women on multiple occasions. A truly thrilling ride, Collinsworth takes us along as she tracks where and what this portrait has seen over the centuries. This is a story that will excite and imbue hope will reading, I hope you will.