8 Art-Inspired Novels for Christmas Gift-Giving

Artribune's Marco Enrico Giacomelli curates eight novels that engage with the art world, ranging from literary criticism to graphic novels. Gabriele Sassone's 'Uccidi l’unicorno' (il Saggiatore, 2020) blends fiction and art criticism, referencing Roberto Longhi and the NABA Critical Writing course in Milan. Piera Ventre's 'Sette opere di Misericordia' (Neri Pozza, 2020) is set in early-1980s Naples, weaving Caravaggio's painting into a family saga. Joann Sfar's 'Modello dal vero' (Clichy, 2020), the third volume of his autobiographical novel, is set at the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris and addresses sexual harassment. Michel Houellebecq's 'Serotonina' (La nave di Teseo, 2019) includes references to artist Daikichi Amano and Art Press founder Catherine Millet. Premiata Ditta (Anna Stuart Tovini and Vincenzo Chiarandà) published 'Profiles' (Meltemi, 2020), based on their participatory project on Graciosa Island in the Azores. Stefano Di Lauro's 'Troppo lontano per andarci e tornare' (Exòrma, 2019) follows a late-19th-century circus voyage. Daria Collovini's 'La ballerina di Degas' (Gaspari, 2019) contrasts Degas's 'Little Dancer of Fourteen Years' with contemporary dance rivalries in Milan and Paris, inspired by Euro Rotelli's photo project. Eleonora Marangoni's 'Lux' (Neri Pozza, 2019) features a light designer protagonist and showcases a literary style reminiscent of Umberto Eco and Orhan Pamuk.