The Ruby Ring by Diane Haeger

Author’s note: “The story is based on the actual discovery of a ruby ring that lay hidden for over five hundred years beneath a thin layer of paint on Raphael’s very sensual painting La Fornarina (The Baker’s Daughter). Who and why concealed it, may never be known. This novel explores one possible scenario.”

Set in the 16th century during a splendid era of the Italian Renaissance, Raphael at 31 is a very successful artist, who is dealing with more commissions than he can handle. He is in search of the right face for his Madonna painting. One day as he walks through Trastevere - humble area of Rome, he comes across a young woman. He instantly knows he has found his Madonna.

Margherita is a simple baker’s daughter from Trastevere and dreams of a life behind the walls of riches. Her encounter with Raphael changes her life completely. 

This story is beautifully imagined and written. The relationship between son Raphael and his father and later between artist Raphael and mentor Leonardo da Vinci are briefly intertwined into the story; yet brief, but at the same time very endearing, creating a lasting impression.

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