The Last Painting of Sara De Vos

Although Ellie and Sara are separated by centuries, they both face sexism that impedes their ability to fulfill their potential. Describe the challenges faced by each woman and compare and contrast how they meet these challenges.

Ellie spends much of the novel trying to figure out why she created the forgery. Explain the significance of her decision to forge the painting.

The novel has three settings in terms of place, time, and culture. Compare and contrast these three settings. What parallels do you see between the settings, and how do these parallels contribute to the themes and plot?

Marty ultimately apologizes to Ellie for his actions. Is the apology deserved? Who bears the most culpability for their actions—Ellie or Marty?

Art serves multiple functions in the novel. Describe the function of art, taking care to use specific events and characters from the novel to support this discussion.

Near the end of the novel Ellie says that “[s]he never stopped painting the beautiful fake” (261). What does she mean? How is her life a “beautiful fake” (261)?

Death is a constant presence in the novel, regardless of the setting. How do each of the characters deal with their own mortality? Are some ways of coping healthier than others?

Research the 17th-century Netherlands. What details of this period appear in the novel? How does Smith use historical details such as tulipomania and the art guild to enhance the plot and setting?