Maggie O'Farrell: The Marriage Portrait

Best-selling, award-winning author Maggie O’Farrell discusses her Women's Prize for Fiction shortlisted novel ‘The Marriage Portrait’, a dazzling evocation of the Italian Renaissance in all its beauty and brutality.

+44 (0)20 7942 2000
  • V&A South Kensington

    Cromwell Road
    London, SW7 2RL

  • The Lydia and Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre

  • For Members

    and general public; general booking now open

  • Tickets cost £15.00 - £18.00

    Includes wine reception.

Past Event
Maggie O'Farrell: The Marriage Portrait photo

In The Marriage Portrait, author Maggie O’Farrell reimagines the story of Lucrezia de’ Medici, youngest daughter of Cosimo de Medici, the tragic young duchess whose death at the young age of 16 is surrounded by rumours – and who inspired works by both Robert Browning and Bronzino. The book brings to life the power and intrigue of the ruling classes of the Italian Renaissance, where a woman’s worth was measured by the importance of her marriage and ability to produce an heir.

Join the author in conversation with journalist Rosie Goldsmith, for the launch of the paperback of The Marriage Portrait, shortlisted for the 2023 Women’s Prize for Fiction.

The talk will be followed by wine reception and book signing.