Medaglioni

En Nencioni's Medaglioni gathers vivid sketches of ten celebrated women from the European literary and artistic scene of the 19th century. Each portrait opens with a brief tableau where the figures—ranging from the poised Mrs. Carlyle to the mischievous Sofia Arnould—interact in a salon of imagined conversation. The author blends factual detail with a playful, almost theatrical tone, inviting listeners to sense the personalities behind the names.

Through concise, richly painted vignettes the listener meets the elegant Pompadour, the spirited Du Barry, the poetic Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and others, exploring their artistic talents, ambitions, and the contradictions that defined them. Nencioni's keen eye for facial expression and social nuance brings each character to life, while the witty exchanges hint at the rivalries and alliances that colored their worlds. The collection offers a charming glimpse into the cultural tapestry of an era, celebrating women as complex, vibrant figures rather than distant icons.