First presented in "The Vampire Armand", Bianca is for me some sort of a tragic persona, judging by the way she entered Marius' life, and by the way she left it. We do not get to know Bianca's mind in those books. I hope that, in time, she gets her own.

Bianca, as Armand, is always described by Marius as coming out of a Boticelli painting. I am adding here a reproduction of Boticelli's "Primavera", so you can judge by yourself.

In keeping with our mission, we will attempt to give you a background on 16th century Venice and the status of women.
For that I would like to introduce you to Veronica Franco, a Venetian citizen woman turned courtesan on the early 1500s.
Franco reinvented herself as an intellectual and poetry writer, and attained a high position in a society that encouraged all women to keep to themselves.
Author Margaret Rosenthal compiled a splendid book where she brings Veronica to life. It is not a romance, but a beautiful scholarly work.

The Honest Courtesan . By Margareth Rosenthal.

The Honest Courtesan was made in a beautiful movie called "Dangerous Beauty". It is rated R.

Dangerous Beauty. Starring: Catherine McCormack, Rufus Sewell, et al. Also available in video.

More on renaissance history:

A History of Private Life:III : Passions of the Renaissance. by Roger Chartier (Editor), Arthurf Goldhammer (Translator), Philippe Aries (Editor), Arthur Goldhammer (Translator), Georges Duby (Editor).

Renaissance Music:

I have wanted for some time to present you with Renaissance music, but it has not been an easy search. I have some titles available in my own collection, which you might try to find:

Danserye 1551: Camerata Hungarica

Choreae et Carminae: Camerata Hungarica

Camerata Hungarica's performances are not what I would call perfect, but the world of history is a world of uncertainty and compromise.

"Dances of the Renaissance". Not strong on the authenticity, but it sounds very nice. A favorite of mine.


Renaissance Dance:

If you get the music you might as well try learning how to dance:

SCA Dance Page: Has everything you need but a partner.
Home of the Renaissance Dance Cheat Sheets.

LAUDI

One of the most authentic examples of fifteenth century music I have come across are the Laudi. They are the music of the common Italian of that time. Of a religious nature, the Laudi are full of feeling and are very beautiful.

Laudi I have listened to:

"O Yesu dolce: Laudi italiane del quattrocento".

Laudi on the wish list:

"Laudi Nuove Ariose".


The music of Bach

This CD is absolutely magical! It has a dreamy mood that will get you right back to to Marius & Bianca's time in Dresden. You must have it.

"Notenb�chlein F�r Anna Magdalena Bach ".

Finally ...

Anne Rice books featuring Bianca:

"Blood & Gold", "The Vampire Armand".