In 1559, a young female painter is given the honor of traveling to Michaelangelo's Roman workshop to learn from the Maestro himself. Though she is forbidden to draw the naked figure, her exraordinary gift flourishes -- as does a scandal involving one of Michaelangelo's students. The Creation of Eve is a riveting novel based on the true but little-known story of the first renowned female artist of the Renaissance, Sofonisba Anguissola. After she is forced to flee from Rome, Sofi is taken to the court of King Felipe II of Spain, where she becomes a lady-in-waiting to his young bride, Elisabeth. Instructing the teenage Queen in the art of painting, Sofi must also provide lessons in other matters -- such as how to catch the King's eye, produce an heir, and secure her place at court. Through Sofi's keenly trained eye, we watch a love triangle unfold involving Queen Elisabeth, the King, and his half brother, Don Juan -- a dangerous gamble that risks the lives of the Queen and all who keep her secrets.