Beatrice grows into a political role and becomes a collector of clothing, jewels, etc., and no longer a companion to Salai. She does confide disappointment in the massive Leonardo's horse, conveys insight regarding the master's talent, and admonishes Salai to take some responsibility for that. To achieve great art, Leonardo needs "something wild, something irresponsible in his work", and Salai must help. The merchant Gioconda and his wife appear only in the last of nineteen chapters, visiting the studio during the master's absence. Beatrice has approved Leonardo's "The Last Supper" and died in childbirth. Milan has been conquered by the French and Leonardo has moved to Mantua. Duchess Isabella of Mantua (sister of Beatrice) has been frustrated for years seeking her portrait by Leonardo, which delights Salai. "Sooner or later she would come to realize that here was one prize that was just out of reach of her jeweled pink fingers."Spurred by Beatrice and Isabella, the irresponsible Salai determines to persuade Leonardo to paint Lisa. Konigsburg once held a "grudge" against da Vinci. She came to admire him as both an artist and a person after reading Jacob Bronowski's essay on the painter in "The Horizon Book of the Renaissance". She was intrigued by Bronowski's observation that Leonardo was insecure. The American Library Association named "The Second Mrs. Gioconda" a Best Book of the Year for Young Adults for 1975.