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Title details for Botticelli's Apprentice by Ursula Murray Husted - Available

Botticelli's Apprentice

by Ursula Murray Husted
Ursula Murray Husted
ebook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available

This funny, empowering graphic novel from rising star Ursula Murray Husted is a gorgeously illustrated glimpse into the forgotten history of Renaissance Italy, following an ambitious young girl's quest to become an apprentice to the famous Sandro Botticelli.

Life as a chicken girl isn't so bad, but Mella wants more. Though girls can't be official apprentices to artists in Florence, Mella has been secretly teaching herself to paint while tending to artist Sandro Botticelli's chickens.

When one of Botticelli's actual apprentices discovers Mella's work, he threatens to take full credit for it. Why does it matter who drew it if it's good?

With the help of unexpected allies, an important patron, and a tenacious stray dog named Blue, Mella must summon all her courage, smarts, and skills to prove her worth and demand the recognition she deserves.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    March 11, 2025

  • Formats

    • Kindle Book

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9780063157958
    Kindle restrictions

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Kirkus

      January 1, 2025
      Set in Italy during the Renaissance, this graphic novel introduces readers to Mella, a young girl who works at Sandro Botticelli's painting studio. Because girls and women aren't allowed to be members of the artists' guild or even to be apprentices, Mella is only allowed to clean brushes and tend the chickens at the maestro's studio. But Mella loves to draw and has a real talent for it. When Datus, Botticelli's junior apprentice, takes her drawing and passes it off as his own, he and Mella have a spat that tests their previously teasing, humorous friendship. But as they learn to respect each other's needs, they strike a bargain: Datus will teach Mella how to prepare gesso panels, construct brushes, and mix egg tempera paints, and Mella will teach him how to draw. This story provides fascinating instructions on making paints and brushes that will inspire artistically minded readers, and it showcases the indomitable will of young women who lived in a time when they had defined--and, for the most part, subservient--roles in society. The book's panels cleverly use a color palette that harks back to the natural pigment colors available in the 15th century, with the artwork accurately depicting historical settings and costumes. Charming and inspiring: an empowering feminist story enlivened by historically accurate artistic techniques. (glossary, art notes)(Graphic historical fiction. 8-12)

      COPYRIGHT(2025) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
Kindle restrictions

subjects

Languages

  • English

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