Cynthia Saltzman is the author of Portrait of Dr. Gachet: The Story of a Van Gogh Masterpiece and Old Masters, New World: America's Raid on Europe's Great Pictures. She has also written for Forbes and The Wall Street Journal.
'A fascinating and deeply rewarding book, which is underpinned by wide research and an impressive grasp of techniques and technicalities ... A delight to read' - Adam Zamoyski, Daily Telegraph 'A compelling account of the fragility of beauty before avarice ... Saltzman's thrilling blend of historical narrative and art criticism is fitting testimony to its enduring greatness' - Paul Lay, The Times 'Wonderful' - Andrew Marr, Andrew Marr, Start the Week, R4 '[Saltzman's] perceptive book traces Napoleon's systematic gathering of artistic treasures as he conquered Italy, focusing on Veronese's masterpiece ... An absorbing story of conflict and culture' - The Economist 'The fascination of Saltzman's splendid book lies to a significant degree in her subtle contrast of the tumultuous immensity of Bonaparte's aspirations and the serenity of Veronese's painting ... Thoroughly at ease in the Venetian Renaissance and French imperial worlds, Cynthia Saltzman tells this story with Veronesian panache' - Jonathan Keates, Literary Review '[An] absorbing and chilling narrative' - The Times, Art Books of the Year 2021