Portrait of an Unknown Lady

In Maria Gainza's enthralling novel, Portrait of an Unknown Lady, an auction house employee delves into the mysterious world of a legendary master forger in Buenos Aires' art scene, rumored to be a woman adept at replicating the works of portraitist Mariette Lydis. As she embarks on a quest to uncover the forger's identity and intentions, she transforms into an art detective, employing her own deceptive tactics. Blending obsession with artistry, the story challenges the concept of authenticity while navigating the intricate dynamics within a community of artists at the enigmatic Hotel Melancolico.