By focusing on the dark side of life in 16th century Venice, Dibben creates plenty of atmosphere, and although the parts of the book that concentrate on Zorzo’s relationships with Sybille and her husband interested me less, I found this an enjoyable read overall.

Little is known about the historic Giorgione, but Dibben takes the few facts known to us, and the handful of paintings ascribed to him, to weave a tale of artistry, courage and fate. As the water levels rise and the plague creeps ever closer, an increasingly desperate Zorzo isn’t sure whom he can trust . There is no denying that Dibben shows extraordinary attention to detail when it comes to bringing sixteenth century Venice to life – you feel as though you are walking alongside Zorzo through this dangerous journey he undertakes. We are given some insights into the workings of an artist’s studio in Renaissance Venice and there are appearances by other famous names from the art world, including Bellini, Titian, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.And when their relationship drags Zorzo into a conspiracy spanning the entire continent, it is far more than his career in danger .

But, on the other side of this, it is very rich in atmosphere and tone that keeps you wanting to read more as the situation Zorzo finds himself caught up in reaches its climax. Once he has won a commission to paint a portrait of his wife, he thinks he is on course to acquiring the sought-after colour. Instead he finds himself caught up in a conspiracy that stretches across Europe and a marriage coming apart inside one of the city’s most illustrious palazzos. From behind closed windows and shutters, Zorzo’s aware of families pressed together, restless shadows, watching and fretting as to whether this episode will pass – as most do – without significant horror, or if this one will be severe.All this surrounds a proper good old adventure story with romance, mystery and exciting twists in spades! It could be a dangerous time and Zorzo doesn’t even realize the danger he’s in when his need for success to take care of himself and the people he employs sets him on a course to procure the mysterious new color a wealthy merchant holds. Particularly in the middle section as secrets begin to unfold and you are trying to get a sense of Sybille’s true character that is always frustratingly out of reach – even by the end. However, if you enjoy immersing yourself in the world of art, you might still want to add this to your list of books to read.