A novel of family dynamics set in MAINE
Historical novel set in 1630s ROME
8th August 2024
Costanza by Rachel Blackmore, historical novel set in 1630s ROME.
The novel is based on the real story of Costanza Piccolomini who became Lorenzo Bernini’s lover for a period of time in the 1630s. The author was struck by the story of this woman during Lockdown, when she happened upon a BBC programme about Rome and how Bernini had treated his mistress – it was the passing reference to violence against this unnamed woman that, among other things, left a considerable impression on the author, and that percolated into this novel. Violence against women then and now – as evidenced by the killing of Sarah Everard – is a subject that is just as pertinent today, just as it was in the 17th Century.
Rome at the time was a very patriarchal society, where people spied on each other, gossip was rife and cruel punishments were meted out for the merest small crime. The setting of the city is beautifully imagined with the dirt, lawlessness and raw energy that seemed to pervade the streets. It invites the reader into the world of the Bernini brothers amidst the colour of materials, the exquisite artwork and construction skills that are still evident in the city today.
Gianlorenzo Bernini – the lead architect and sculptor on St Peter’s – is taken with Costanza when his eyes alight upon her. She is already married to Matteo, who is a gifted artist working in the Bernini workshop and for various reasons he is not really averse to her starting an affair with the great man. The married couple has a good enough relationship to be able to withstand the new dynamic between the wife and her lover, and thus she is elevated to the illustrious society in which Gianlorenzo Bernini circulates. It is clear from the outset that he is a very strong and controlling character, his brilliance as an artist outshining his intrinsic and venal nature – until his dark side percolates to the fore. Freudian sibling rivalry ensues and the machinations of his brother Luigi bring down the carefully balanced set-up, Luigi desires Constanza for himself – at any cost. She finds herself subjugated and at the mercy of his depraved behaviour and thrust into a maelstrom of Machiavellian proportions.
“Lorenzo Bernini – and his brother Luigi – are arachnids, fanged creatures who spin their webs with fantastical delight, not caring who gets caught”
Costanza sculpted by Bernini (photo:Burtoncoboards)
This is a fascinating retelling of her life that brings the setting to vibrant life – materials used for clothing, the dirty streets, the noise, all juxtaposed against the incredible art that was being created at the time. It is the story of an unfortunate woman who is brought down by the patriarchy of the time, a conspiracy of mores and values enforced by men with women as the target. This is a well-paced and immersive story that kept me reading to discover her eventual fate.
Tina for the TripFiction Team
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