How to Be Both

One of the novel’s two protagonists is a fictionalized version of the Early Renaissance artist Francesco del Cossa (1436-1478). Part 2, “Eyes,” is written from the point of view of “Francescho,” a character based on Del Cossa and features many scenes from his life in 15th-century Ferrara and Bologna. Few details are known for certain about the life of the real Francesco del Cossa, so the content of these sections is largely fictional, though solidly grounded in the relevant historical context.

During the 15th century, the territory of modern Italy was divided into autonomous kingdoms and city states ruled over by various kings, dukes, and nominally elected rulers. The political situation was generally tumultuous, with rival states jockeying for power and influence between themselves and on the wider European stage. Life expectancy was relatively low by modern standards due to a combination of high infant mortality rates and a lack of effective medical treatment to combat infectious diseases such as the bubonic plague, cholera, and tuberculosis. Gender and racial discrimination and inequality were rampant, and religious persecution a matter of course. The 15th century was a transitional period between the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period in Europe, and there was significant regional variation in terms of culture, language, and lifestyle across the Italian peninsula.

Italian society went through a “rebirth” (the literal English translation of the French word renaissance) during this period, which saw a rediscovering of Classical works and values, a new “Humanist” school of philosophy, and a blossoming of art and culture. Christianity remained a fundamental part of everyday life and had a huge influence on all cultural and artistic endeavors during this period. Most renaissance artwork was commissioned by the Catholic Church or produced under the patronage of the wealthy nobility. Portraiture and Christian iconography were the most common subjects.