Novels About Art and Artists
There is something about reading novels about art and artists that is so intriguing. It’s almost like art within art. I love to read and know I am not an writer, but there is something so different about the art world.
We also wanted to make sure that we included novels about artists as well. We hope you love this post as much as we loved making it.
*Novels About Art Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
Historical Fiction Novels About Art
The Marriage Portrait
Author: Maggie O’Farrell
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: December 2022 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I found the story, which also revolves around the painting of the titular marriage portrait, to be fast-moving and fascinating. It’s one of those historical fiction books that had me googling what was real and what truths were bent.
Why Kirsten loves it
I found the story, which also revolves around the painting of the titular marriage portrait, to be fast-moving and fascinating. It’s one of those historical fiction books that had me googling what was real and what truths were bent.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction Novels / Novels About Art / Books Set in Italy / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2022
The English Masterpiece
Author: Katherine Reay
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Lily, an assistant at the Tate, is helping her boss, Diana, plan a major Picasso exhibit. The exhibit features Picasso’s iconic works as well as a newly discovered painting. When Lily publicly claims one of the paintings is a forgery, her accusation throws the art world into chaos and puts her career and her mentor’s reputation at risk. With time running out, Lily must follow the clues and prove that she was right before she loses everything.
Why Kirsten likes it
This had all the pieces I’m looking for in a historical mystery, artwork, a protagonist on the lamb, a dual narrative, and a fun setting (1970s at the Tate Museum), but Lily drove me batty. Her constantly losing attention to her surroundings came off as grating rather than charming, and her woe-is-me attitude was even remarked upon by her family members. If she had been a stronger character I would have rated this one higher, but in the end, this was a like not a love.
Find this book in: Novels About Art
The Doll Factory
Author: Elizabeth Macneal
Year: 2019
Genre: Thriller
More info: #1 International bestseller and The New York Times Editor’s Choice
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This historical fiction novel about art is part mystery, part love story, and part thriller. MacNeal’s debut takes place in Victorian England during the time of The Great Exhibition.
Iris dreams of learning to paint like a true artist, while she tolls away with her twin sister in a doll shop. Silas is a curiosity collector who can’t seem to get Iris out of his head after their chance meeting, and Albie is the rag-a-muffin street urchin I wanted to take home.
Why Kirsten loves it
Their stories weave together in a slow burn until the blood-pumping, heart-racing conclusion.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2019 / Best Books with Stalkers / Books Becoming Movies or TV Series in 2024 / Intriguing Novels About Art and Artists / Historical Thrillers
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis
I’ve been big on Gilded Age books recently, so I knew I would love reading about the Frick family and their gorgeous mansion built in that time frame. The bonus was that this dual-timeline story also featured a missing pink diamond!
The story of Helen Frick and her assistant at a formative time in Helen’s life that coincides with Magnolia Diamond’s disappearance is riveting. As is the later timeline, told 50 years later, when a model and a Frick Museum intern are locked in the mansion overnight and on the hunt for the missing diamond.
I couldn’t put this novel about art down. It might be my first Fiona Davis, but it won’t be my last!
The Botticelli Secret by Marina Fiorato
This gritty story is about a prostitute during the Italian Renaissance who needs to flee for her life after learning a secret while sitting for famed artist Botticelli. She turns to a novice, Brother Guido, for help after her friends start dying.
It’s sort of like a Da Vinci code set in the 15th century and it all revolves around Botticelli’s Primavera painting. It’s a fun, quick read and one of the first books set in Italy that I ever read. It was a must for novels about art.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
We cannot think of a more iconic pick for novels about art than this iconic work by Oscar Wilde. In the book, Dorian lives a hedonistic lifestyle and believes in beauty above all else. He stays the same externally while his portrait ages and portrays the ugliness within.
This novel about art caused a huge uproar when it was published. We cannot even imagine!
Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire
You may recognize Maquire from his most famous work, Wicked. This fairy tale retelling reimagines the story of Cinderella.
In this version, set in 1700s Holland, Cinderella’s father is a painter. Told by one of the stepsisters, this story is a much different take on the classic tale and is filled with references to art. We were so excited to include this in our novels about art.
Contemporary Fiction Novels About Artists And Art
Plot
A group of teenagers spends their summer on an abandoned pier where they take solace in their friendship, as they dream of leaving their small town and difficult childhoods. From that friendship comes one of the most famous paintings in the world which, years later, is given to 18-year-old Louisa, an aspiring artist.
After receiving the unexpected item, and struggling with her own feelings of abandonment and homelessness, she embarks on a cross-country journey to find the story behind the painting. What follows is a deep, touching story, of teens forced to grow up too soon, found family, and finding the light in the darkest of times… told as only Backman can write it.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Violence
Why Kirsten loves it
It took me ages to read this book because of the incredible ruminations on life, love, death, and friendship peppered throughout this treasure of a novel. Numerous times, I would read a sentence, pause, read it again, and then marinate on the token of wisdom that felt like a gift from Backman.
This is not a story to be rushed, but one to be savored. Resoundingly one of my favorites of the year, it’s Backman at his best. #gifted by Simon and Schuster
Find this book in: Books About Art / Friendship Books / Best Fiction Books of 2025
Art of Vanishing
Author: Morgan Pager
Year: 2025
Genre: Magical Realism
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Claire is a museum employee who works the night shift. She loves the paintings and feels a deep connection to them, especially one painted by Henri Matisse that depicts his family. Jean Matisse is front and center of the painting, reading a book but actually watching clare from inside his frame.
When Claire discovers that she can step into the painting and travel between the paintings in the museum, her entire world changes. Soon, she spends her days waiting for her shift to come so she can jump into his world. Jean and Claire fall in love and must find a way to defy reality and find happiness.
Trigger Warnings
pandemic
Why Jackie loves it
There are so many things that I love about this delightful novel. The story is told from the point of view of both Claire and Jean and I love getting their perspectives. I also love that this book takes place in the Barnes. It is not explicitly stated, however, as a local to the town where the original Barnes was located, it was interesting to hear about it from the paintings’ points of view. This book is so original. I listened to and read the book and couldn’t get enough. Thank you, PRH and PRH Audio, for my copies of this book.
Find this book in: Novels About Art and Artists / Magical Realism Books /Best Beach Reads 2025
Woman on Fire
Author: Lisa Barr
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info:
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Buckle up for a stunning story in Lisa Barr’s newest book, Woman on Fire. Jules, an ambitious investigative journalist, is working on a story about a piece of art that was stolen by the Nazis during WWII.
But she’s not the only one looking to track down Woman on Fire. Margaux, a gallerist and art thief, also wants to get her hands on the painting.
As we learn the origins of the painting and the many hands it switched to over the years, we also discover the dark underbelly of the art world.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, Murder
Why Kirsten loves it
I was ENTHRALLED with this novel about art. I’ll be putting this pick from mystery books on every must-read list we do this year. It was thrilling and informative. Buy it now, and thank me later.
Find this book in: Books About Art and Artists / Books by Jewish Writers / Best Books of 2022
Plot
Set in Sag Harbor, a young girl is gifted with the entire estate of a famous artist. Her mother and the artist’s former partner are left bewildered and a battle for the estate ensues. Bea is the crotchety older art dealer and form partner who is fighting like hell for what she thinks is hers. She was a joy to hate!
Why Jackie loves it
I had the pleasure of reading Jamie Brenner’s newest book a bit early, and it didn’t disappoint. With a cover like that, it’s clearly the perfect summer read!
Find this book in: Novels about Art / Books Set at the Beach
The Frame-up by Gwenda Bond
Dani Poissant is the daughter of the world’s most famous art thief who happens to be in jail because Dani turned her in. Now, ten years later, she is approached for a once-in-a-lifetime heist that can make up for her past mistakes and reunite herself with her mother’s old gang which includes the love of her life and her former best friend. Can she pull off the heist? Oh, did I mention that the secret to their success is magic?
Why We Liked it: The magical realism of this story set it apart from other art heist novels, but the magical mechanisms should have been more greatly explored in the story. The more interesting part was Dani’s journey of self-discovery and her realizations about her relationship with her mother.
Find this Book in books about thieves, novels about art
The Art Forger by B.A Shapiro
I read this book years ago and it is one that still resonates with me years later. Claire Roth is a young artist who has been blacklisted from the art community after being named “The Great Pretender”. Claire painted a picture for her former lover who claimed the work as his own. When he broke up with her from guilt, Claire tried and failed to claim the art as her own.
Years later, she is working as a painter who paints reproductions. When she is given a chance to forge a painting for $50,000 and her own private gallery show, claire jumps at the chance but does not realize what she is getting herself into. This is one of my favorite novels about art and is a must-read if you like con artist books.
Novels About Artists
Little Fires Everywhere
Author: Celeste NG
Year: 2017
Genre: Fiction
More info: September 2017 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Nobody in Shaker Heights was prepared when Mia, a single mother and artist, rents a house from the Richardsons. When friends of the Richardsons attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, the town becomes divided and Mia and the Richardsons are on opposite sides.
Trigger Warnings
Abortion, Miscarriage, Racism
Why Jackie likes it
I have mixed feelings about this family drama book about motherhood. There was nothing I didn’t like. It is a great story and is written well. I think I was expecting to be completely blown away because of all the hype. Ng has depth to her characters and looks at highly emotional issues. I ended up really liking the book once I got past the beginning.
Find this book in: Novels About Art / Books About Motherhood / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Family Drama Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2017
The Age of Light
Author: Whitney Scharer
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This historical fiction novel is about real-life photographer and model, Lee Miller. I had never heard of Miller prior to this book, though I was familiar with her lover, Man Ray.
Why Kirsten loves it
Lee Miller made some life choices that I can’t say I agree with, but I found her to be a strong, feminist woman ahead of her time. This book is a five-star read, but be warned – there are some erotic scenes in the novel.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction / Best Books of 2019 / Jazz Age Novels / Art Novels / Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
The Henna Artist
Author: Alka Joshi
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: May 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, The Jaipur Trilogy #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
To escape her marriage, Lakshmi travels to Jaipur to find work as a Henna artist. It’s 1950 and her intricated tattoos make her the trusted henna artist and confidant of the wealthiest women in the city, all while keeping her own secrets. Until she is confronted by her husband one day and her carefully built life is threatened.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten likes it
I really enjoyed this historical fiction set in 1950s India. I know little about the artistry and meaning behind henna prior to reading and I learned a great deal about henna, herbal remedies, and Indian culture while reading this book. Henna is an incredible art form and we were so excited to include this fantastic novel about art on our list.
Because of the descriptive writing, I could picture everything so vividly. The plot, and the class structure in India in particular, would make an excellent book club discussion.
Adaptation Details
Frieda Pinto is slated to produce and star in the Netflix TV series.
Find this book in: Books Becoming TV Series / Novels about Artists / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2020
Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore
This particular romance is set in 1920s England and is the third in Ms. Dunmore’s women’s suffragette series. Hattie Greenfield, artist extraordinaire, is forced into marriage with Lucian Blackstone, a self-made man (V frowned upon by nobles at the time.)
We love that she is an artist for our novels about art and they travel to Scotland on their honeymoon. Perfect for books about Scotland. But, we couldn’t stop thinking that it is also perfect for books Like Outlander!
While the romance itself is swoon-worthy, it’s the depth of non-romantic topics that make it a joy to read. I learned so much about the coal industry and the perils to coal communities in the process.
Thrillers and Mystery Novels About Art
Still Life
Author: Louise Penny
Year: 2007
Genre: Mystery
More info: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #1
Age Range: 13+
Plot
This is the first book in the New York Times best selling series of Chief Inspector Gamache. I fell in LOVE with the Inspector, the town of Three Pines, a small Canadian village just north of the US, and its residents. Louise Penny CAN WRITE.
The mystery was great (and I didn’t solve it) but what got me the most was Penny’s writing style and reflections on the human psyche. This first Louise Penny book has Chief Inspector Armand Gamache searching a piece of art for clues after its painter, Jane Neal, turns up dead.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best detective books I have ever read. You will fall in love with Three Pines and the people who live there. The wonderful community in this series is the best of what cozy books should be. If you love mystery novels and have not read this series, What are you waiting for?
Find this book in: Louise Penny Books in Order / Best Mysteries of all Time /
The Da Vinci Code
Author: Dan Brown
Year: 2003
Genre: Thriller
More info: Robert Langdon Series #2
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is one of the first books about secret societies that I ever read. Dan Brown found a way to incorporate symbolism and brilliant riddles into this modern-day mystery.
While visiting Paris, Robert Langdon receives a phone call that the curator of the Louvre is dead. The body is covered in strange symbols that lead them on a search for the killer and for answers. This is one of the best murder mystery books I have ever read.
Why Jackie loves it
The plot does not slow for a minute from the first page to the last. It is the second in the Robert Langdon series and but it’s favorite. I love the mystery, the suspense, and the non-stop action in this amazing novel!
Find this book in: Novels About Art / Books About Puzzles / Best Mystery Books of All Time
Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li
Billed as Ocean’s 11 meets The Farewell, I found myself most closely comparing it to The Italian Job and I LOVED IT.
5 college students is hired by a Beijing art company to steal back relics stolen from the Old Summer Palace by colonists and now on display in famous museums the world over.
Each person brings their talents (getaway driver, hacker, art historian, etc.) and their dreams of what the life-changing sum they’ve been offered can mean for themselves and their immigrant families.
While it might sound frivolous, it’s actually a novel about art with a more emotional vein running beneath. One of longing to fit in, the struggle of straddling two worlds, and the quest for individual and collective identity as Chinese-Americans.
The Kill Artist (Gabriel Allon #1) by Daniel Silva
This is the first book in the Gabriel Allon series and if you are reading Daniel Silva books in order, you will want to start with this book to get to know the characters from the very beginning.
Gabriel Allon is living his life in Cornwall as an art restorer after retiring from The Office, the Israeli intelligence. When a terrorist who has a history with Allon (his nemesis) goes on a killing spree, Allon is dragged back into service by his old master, the venerable Ari Shamron who is now the head of The Office.
Allon is now part of a manhunt that spans the globe in a race against time. Will the terrorist cause more destruction and death before they can catch him?
Non-Fiction Books About Art and Artists
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel
I’m not sure I’ve ever read a nonfiction book that read so much like fiction. Imagine 2 people driving around Europe casually stealing billions of dollars worth of art from the most famous galleries and museums in the world.
That’s what this book about thieves is all about. I was floored by the writing, but the story is one I wouldn’t believe if it wasn’t true. It’s a fast, compelling book that art lovers, mystery lovers, and true crime aficionados must read.
Plot
This nonfiction old Hollywood book sheds light on the talent of Disney’s pioneering female animators and the struggles they faced in a male-dominated field. I loved learning about these incredible women – like Mary Blair who created the art for the “It’s a Small World” ride.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was appalled by the disparate treatment female in the animation field received, but I was also impressed by their gumption. The author does a tremendous job of showing their struggles but also how these women shaped animation as we know it. I was heartened to see just how far they have come. The book ends with Frozen and you can see the studio’s growth.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved reading about these women and how they shaped animation! I am a huge Disney fan, so everything about this intrigues me. I was equally upset by the struggles these talented women had to endure strictly because they were women (although I shouldn’t have been shocked).
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Old Hollywood Books / Books like Lessons in Chemistry / Books about Art / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
Vincent and Theo by Deborah Heiligman
While I don’t usually love non-fiction, this is one of the first books in the genre that really got me hooked. The relationship between Vincent Van Gogh and his brother, Theo, was complicated.
Their love for one another was inspiring, though they did fight often as brothers are wont to do. Most of all, I loved the description of the art and new it was a must for novels about art.
