Why is da Vinci’s name on the cover?

[MrsCatInTheHat]

No, I don't see anything unethical about the title. I think it works well for the storyline. If it had been a painting by Monet, then Monet's name would be perfect in place of da Vinci. Granted, Monet wouldn't work as he didn't create the technological things that da Vinci managed (like the entrance to the cave).

[Emilyflint]

I don't see any issue with using his name. Plus I don't see any reason why it would be unethical at all

[CinWin]

The plot of the story is that the characters are all looking for the missing painting by da Vinci so it is resonable to use the name on the book cover. However, it is in rather large print so I think that the author is probably trying to piggy-back off of the fame of Da Vinci himself and the famous book The Da Vinci Code.

[Keri wood]

I do agree in a way it wasn't really necessary to bring it up in this book but to each there own.

[elivia05]

The use of da Vinci's name is most likely a marketing strategy. I do not think this is unethical though. It would most likely be considered unethical only if there were no relation to art history in the novel.

[anwidmer]

I agree with the replys above that the fact that there are connections in the book regarding da vincis work ot makes sense his name would be used. The fact that it is not the main focal point as suggested in the ritle can seem misleading, however any gpod author would be skilled in catching the readers attention. A feat accomplished in this example for sure.

[kdstrack]

The title was what drew me to this book. I was hoping to read more about da Vinci - and was disappointed. Was it unethical? I think it was a clever marketing idea - it got me to pick up the book and choose it over many other options. It does make me hesitate to choose any other books by this author!

[chelhack]

Although I do believe that Da Vinci's name was more used as an attention and or something more to attract people to this book. I also, do believe that it is ethical because the Floretti was da Vinci's best friend and one of his model according to this book. Along with the fact that in this book The Girl Who Knew da Vinci though there are a lot of other things happening or going on still, the whole plot is somewhat based on if in fact there was another piece of art that da Vinci created that is known of yet unable to be located as well as, tracking down this piece. So personally would say that even though, I believe the title may be more of an attention-grabbing concept or strategy, the fact is would there have still been a story if the picture that da Vinci drew had been present and accounted for? Therefore, I believe that he is a big factor in or to this story as well.

[kjarch1228]

Most people do judge a book by its cover or at the very least its title. The author is taking advantage of that fact and using da Vinci's name to draw readers in who find him to be an intriguing individual. It certainly worked on me. So I'd say it's a good strategy and definitely not unethical.

[Van112]

I actually thought basing from the cover that it was Dan Brown's book. It was a good marketing strategy to somehow make it like it or put Da Vinco's name. It is a good thing though as it is a catchy one. I don't think it's unethical at all as there are a lot of books as well that uses different famous names.

[Cristina Chifane]

I am sure the author wanted readers to remember Dan Brown's controversial and highly successful book. I don't know if there would be problems with copyright infringement or other laws on publishing. But I guess Belle Ami got what she wanted. Here we are comparing her book to Brown's.

Yeah, we're doing just that. Besides, Dan Brown or Belle Ami are not the only ones who used da Vinci and his name to attract people's attention.

On Goodreads, there are 25 novels featuring Leonardo da Vinci. For example, Stephenie Storey’s Oil and Marble focuses on the rivalry between Leonardo and Michelangelo, Robin Maxwell’s Signora da Vinci reconstitutes the tumultuous life of his mother or Mary Hoffman’s Smile tells the story behind the Mona Lisa portrait. There are book series entitled Leonardo da Vinci Mystery or Da Vinci's Disciples.

I guess my initial thought when I asked the question was whether the title or cover really justify what happens thoughout the book. I admire da Vinci very much. I'd be very careful when it comes to using his name or writing about da Vinci. I'd be researching thoroughly before writing a book about him especially if I am not an art historian or an expert in da Vinci.

[Manang Muyang]

Based on the book, the girl (Fioretta and all her future selves) knew da Vinci. She was best friends with him. Historically, there are no documents (I mean my casual search didn't find any) to prove the close friendship, but there are also none to disprove it. The only info I got about Fioretta was that she was allegedly a courtesan and a cousin of Giuliano. There are also speculations that Fioretta might be the Mona Lisa, she with the famous smile.

I cannot comment on the cover, though. I haven't done any detailed study of it. Yet.

[AmySmiles]

Potential marketing strategy? Yes definitely. Ethical or unethical? I don't really see this as either. I wouldn't call it unethical, just because they are trying to market the book to be something similar. I can see though how people may think that, but I really don't think it is an issue.

[lesler]

Absolutely. Not only is he a episodic character like you said, but also his lost painting is the main focus of the novel.

[Nmesoma]

The main story line revolves around a hard-to-get, 'strictly in the know' painting claimed to have been drawn by Da Vinci; so yes it's what holds the fabric of the story together. It may be for marketing since Leonardo Da Vinci is a popular art and historical figure, but marketing or no, the name still does have a great relevance to the story.