The Second Mrs. Giaconda

The Second Mrs. Giaconda

Company type	Novel
Industry	Literature
Founded	1975
Founder	E. L. Konigsburg
Products	Historical novel

The Second Mrs. Giaconda, later known as The Second Mrs. Gioconda, is a historical novel aimed at young readers, authored by E. L. Konigsburg. The narrative unfolds primarily in Milan, Italy and features prominent figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, his attendant Salai, and the duchess Beatrice d'Este. The story is narrated from Salai’s viewpoint, delving into the origins behind da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

Released by Atheneum in 1975, the edition contains ten black-and-white plates of da Vinci’s artwork, several of which play a significant role within the plot.

Summary

The opening segment poses the question of why Leonardo prioritized painting the portrait of the second spouse of a modest Florentine merchant instead of fulfilling commissions from influential dukes and duchesses. It introduces Salai through excerpts from Leonardo’s journals and testament.

Initial chapters depict Salai as a destitute shoemaker’s son and petty thief who becomes Leonardo’s unpaid apprentice and servant. Despite this position, Salai continues his mischievous ways, escalating from minor larceny to trafficking Leonardo’s drawings and access to the master.

Princess Beatrice arrives in Milan to wed Duke Il Moro, who had originally intended to marry her sister, Isabella d'Este. Meanwhile, he maintains favor with his mistress Cecilia Gallerani, immortalized in one of Da Vinci’s renowned portraits. Beatrice, initially considered plain and determined to enhance her beauty, develops a rapport with Leonardo based on shared playful antics and attempts to capture her husband’s affection through intellect rather than looks.

Salai and Leonardo frequently visit Beatrice, who rises to prominence as Milan’s duchess yet struggles to secure her husband’s love. Isabella harbors envy toward her sister for attracting scholars and artisans.

Beatrice matures into a political influencer and art collector, gradually distancing herself from Salai but confiding in him about Leonardo’s creations and encouraging him to defend the artist’s creative independence. She stresses that exceptional art demands "something wild, something irresponsible," a role she entrusts Salai to embody.

The Giocondas emerge only late in the tale during Leonardo’s absence. After Beatrice’s demise and the French conquest of Milan, Leonardo moves to Mantua. Isabella of Mantua, impatient after years without her portrait, propels Salai—motivated by Beatrice and Isabella—to convince Leonardo to paint Lisa.

Origins

Konigsburg initially harbored a "grudge" against da Vinci but developed admiration for him as both an artist and person after reading an essay by Jacob Bronowski on Leonardo in The Horizon Book of the Renaissance. She was particularly captivated by Bronowski's perspective on Leonardo's vulnerabilities.

Awards

In 1975, the American Library Association honored The Second Mrs. Gioconda as one of the Best Books of the Year for Young Adults.

See also

• Cultural references to Leonardo da Vinci

References

Citations

• A subsequent edition was issued by Simon & Schuster's Aladdin imprint.