On the nineteenth day of Christmas On the Tudor Trail gave to me… the chance to win a copy of The Truth of the Line: The Court of Elizabeth I as seen through the eyes of the artist, Nicholas Hilliard by Melanie V. Taylor!
To be in the running to win this novel, leave a comment after this post.
Conditions of Entry
For your chance to win The Truth of the Line by Melanie V. Taylor, you must be subscribed to On the Tudor Trail’s newsletter (if you are not already, sign up on our homepage where it says ‘Free Enewsletter Subscription’).
Then simply leave a comment after this post between now and 31 December 2018. Don’t forget to leave your name and a contact email. Please note that I have comment moderation activated and need to ‘approve’ comments before they appear. There is no need to submit your comment twice.
This giveaway is open internationally.
One winner will be randomly selected and contacted by email shortly after the competition closes. Please ensure you’ve added natalie@onthetudortrail.com to your address book to avoid missing my email.
Good luck!
Find Out More
Book Blurb
Nicholas Hilliard (1547-1619) was a trusted member of the court and illuminated various charters and legal documents as well as painting portraits.
In the 1580s he portrayed the queen either as Cynthea – Virgin Goddess of the Moon, or as the perpetually young Astrea – Virgin Goddess of the Golden Age. These miniature portraits reinforced the idea that England’s queen was, and would remain unmarried. However, is there more to these portraits of Elizabeth I than propaganda?
This novel tells Hilliard’s own story through some of the portraits he created for his patrons and interprets the symbols and emblems these paintings contain From his first portrait painted in 1572 I explore the great the events that happened between 1572 and 1588 as seen through his eyes.
The title is a quote from Hilliard’s draft treatise of 1598, but is it just a reference to his extraordinary ability to capture his sitter’s likeness or was he a possessor of a royal secret?
About the Author
Having studied the History of Art, Architecture & Design at Kingston University, Surrey (UK), Melanie V. Taylor embarked on a full-time Master of Arts degree in Medieval & Early Modern Studies at the University of Kent where the subject of her dissertation was the life and works of the artist, Levina Teerlinc (1520-1576).
Melanie lives in Surrey with her terrier and lectures on both art history and history. She has taught the following courses in art and medieval history: Art & Architecture in Renaissance 1350-1500; The Exchange of Ideas between Southern & Northern Europe – Giotto & Van Eyck to Michelangelo & Hans Holbein the Younger; The Italian High Renaissance & Mannerism 1500 – 1600; The Stranger Painters of the Tudor Court (stranger is a way of describing foreigners); The Marketing of Monarchy; Elizabeth I – the Age of Gloriana; The Normans in Europe; The Reconquest of Spain; The Rise of the Venetian Republic; The Albigensian Crusade; France 1450 – 1500; The Golden Age of Dutch Art and How the Impressionists documented the Industrial Revolution. In addition she has given study days on Hans Holbein the Younger, Nicholas Hilliard and the history of the Tudor Miniature. Melanie V. Taylor is frequently asked to give talks to art clubs and various other groups on art and history.
Visit Melanie V. Taylor’s official website.
Adding this to my TBR list. Hope I win.
I have seen some of Hilliard’s miniatures at Arundel Castle, Sussex and they are beautiful. Would love to win this book. Here’s hoping I am lucky.
Let me win please
Sounds very interesting. Thx for the chance!!
This book looks incredible! What a fascinating and fresh perspective on Queen Elizabeth I through the eyes of a little-known Tudor character. 🙂
Always interested to learn about other perspectives on Elizabeth!
This sounds very interesting
This looks like it would be fascinating!
Sounds interesting, I would love to read it!
This sounds interesting… adding to my must read list!
Love his his paintings and especially his miniatures.So charming.?I couldn’t even imagine what he witnessed in his life time and I’m a huge art fan so I think this would be a nice little adventure for me to read and I always enjoy reading more when I feel there are things learn from it.
Interested!
Yes please!
Different book from the others
So many great books! Hoping I win this one
Looks good! Thanks for a chance to win. Michelle t
Yes pleas
I would love to have this!
Love stories set in Elizabeth I’s court!
I love books that show how life was really like it past decades.
Would love it because Elizabeth I is my favorite historical figure!
Oh wow, this sounds like such an interesting perspective!
Please please pick me 🙂
I’m interested in this book!
Sounds like a good read
Oh wow this looks so fascinating – I would love to read this!
I would imagine the court would have been both a terrifying and exciting place to be. Would make great reading 🙂
Yes please!
I find miniatures fascinating pieces not just of art but their value in meaning. Hilliard’s miniatures are beautifully done.
This sounds so interesting! What a cool perspective!
Yes, Please!
Another intriguing looking read.
looks fascinating!
I heart Tudors.
I would love to read a book about this famous painter of miniatures. Thank you for the chance.
As an aspiring artist and Elizabeth I fan I would love to read this perspective. Also, I love your podcast! I look foreword to it every couple weeks!
Will be fascinating to see the Tudor world through the eyes of Nicholas Hilliard. 🙂
Sounds like a wonderful perspective! 🙂
Sounds intriguing!
Ooooohoho this would be brilliant!
Sounds interesting. Would be great to read.
This would be a lovely read for 2019
Love the idea of a whole new prospective of the period.
Yes please!
Loop ahhh
This sounds really interesting.
Yes people it is always goo read to see it through people eyes who were around her and court.
Thank you for the giveaway!
Sounds super interesting! x
My wife would love this