The Underpainter

The Underpainter by Jane Urquhart is a richly woven novel that explores the intersections of art and human emotion through the life of Austin Fraser, an American painter reflecting on his past. Spanning several decades and locations—from upstate New York to France during World War I and New York City in the early 20th century—the story delves into memories of those who have profoundly influenced him, including a soldier and a model. Renowned for its vivid depiction of landscape and imagination, the novel is celebrated as one of Urquhart's most accomplished works.