Let's set the scene: Antwerp in the 1600s. The city is buzzing, and the legendary painter Peter Paul Rubens is at the height of his fame. His studio is a powerhouse, and his influence touches everything. This is the world S. Henry Berthoud drops us into, not through Rubens's eyes, but through the lives of two young women he sponsors: his goddaughters.

The Story

The book follows these two 'filleules'—goddaughters—as they navigate their coming of age. They live in the orbit of a genius, which brings privilege and prestige, but also intense scrutiny and hidden dangers. Their lives are a blend of art, society, and the strict rules of the time. The plot kicks into gear when the sheltered world of the studio collides with the harsh realities outside it. Think family conflicts, the tricky politics of the art world, and societal pressures that threaten to pull the young women in directions they never expected. It's a story about finding your own path when you've grown up in someone else's very large shadow.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how immediate it all feels. Berthoud doesn't just describe history; he lets you live in it. You smell the paint and the city streets, you feel the tension in a crowded room, and you really get to know these two young women. They're not just props in Rubens's story—they have their own hopes, fears, and complicated emotions. The book is brilliant at showing the human side of a period we often see only through grand paintings and history books. It asks: what was it actually like to be there? The answer is fascinating, detailed, and full of heart.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who love immersive historical fiction that focuses on character over battlefields. If you enjoyed the behind-the-scenes drama of books like The Girl with a Pearl Earring or the rich, societal detail of classic 19th-century novels, you'll feel right at home here. It’s for anyone who's ever looked at a famous old painting and wondered about the lives of the people just outside the canvas. A truly engaging and human look at a glittering, bygone era.