Picture a storyteller who paints Renaissance Italy with words, weaving tales of artisans and their crafts—meet Laura Morelli! A USA Today bestselling historical fiction novelist, Morelli blends her Ph.D. in art history from Yale with a passion for Venice’s vibrant past. Her Venetian Artisans series captivates readers, bringing gondola makers and gilders to life against the backdrop of 16th-century Italy.
From her childhood in coastal Georgia to her travels across Europe, Morelli’s journey is as colorful as the Murano glass she writes about. Her unique ability to merge scholarly insight with vivid storytelling has made her a beloved voice in historical fiction, inviting readers to step into the studios of Renaissance artisans.
The Making of Laura Morelli
Born and raised in coastal Georgia, Laura Morelli grew up climbing trees, riding horses, and devouring books in a used bookstore that sparked her love for storytelling. Her early travels, including a transformative trip to Venice as a teenager, ignited a fascination with art history. She pursued this passion, earning a bachelor’s from the University of Georgia, a master’s from Tufts, and a Ph.D. from Yale. Initially a college professor, Morelli shifted to writing, inspired by the artisans she met while researching her travel guide, Made in Italy. Her debut novel, The Gondola Maker, marked her 40th birthday and the start of a prolific career.
Laura Morelli’s Unforgettable Stories
Morelli’s Venetian Artisans series is a love letter to Renaissance Venice, rich with historical detail and emotional depth. The Gondola Maker (2014) follows Luca Vianello, a young man defying his family’s boatyard legacy, earning a starred Publishers Weekly review for its authentic craftsmanship details. The Painter’s Apprentice (2017) introduces Maria Bartolini, a gilder navigating love and the Black Death in 1510 Venice, praised for its vivid depiction of gilding techniques.
Beyond the series, The Night Portrait (2020) intertwines Leonardo da Vinci’s Renaissance with World War II, showcasing Morelli’s knack for dual timelines. Her 2023 novel, The Last Masterpiece, explores art’s enduring power. Morelli’s style—meticulously researched yet accessible—immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and textures of historical settings, making art history feel alive and personal.
Her Authentic Arts guidebook series, including Made in Venice and Made in Naples & the Amalfi Coast, complements her fiction, guiding travelers to authentic crafts. Each work reflects her mission to preserve artisanal traditions through storytelling, earning her awards like the IPPY and Benjamin Franklin.
Why Laura Morelli Matters
Laura Morelli’s impact lies in her ability to bridge art history and fiction, making Renaissance Italy accessible to all. Her novels resonate with readers who crave immersive, character-driven stories, while her guidebooks empower travelers to connect with living traditions. By spotlighting artisans—gondola makers, gilders, glassblowers—she preserves cultural heritage, inspiring a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship. Her TED-Ed lessons and contributions to National Geographic Traveler further amplify her influence, educating global audiences.
Morelli’s work reminds us that art and stories endure, connecting past and present. Her growing fanbase, from book clubs to history buffs, proves her stories are timeless treasures.
- Birthplace: Coastal Georgia, USA
- Key Works: The Gondola Maker, The Painter’s Apprentice, The Night Portrait, TheDerivative of Morelli’s novels and guidebooks
- Awards: IPPY Award, Benjamin Franklin Award, Publishers Weekly starred reviews
Snag The Gondola Maker or The Painter’s Apprentice and dive into Laura Morelli’s enchanting world of Renaissance Venice!