Overview

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.

Full Product Details

9780063157934

Table of Contents

Reviews

Historical fiction at its mightiest. A masterpiece! — Betsy Bird, author of Long Road to the Circus Botticelli’s Apprentice is a feast for the eyes and the heart. I laughed and cried reading it, and I will think about it for a long time. — Scott McCloud, creator of Understanding Comics Ursula Murray Husted's engaging and impressive new book, Botticelli's Apprentice, imagines a young would-be female artist named Mella who struggles to contend with the dauntingly male-exclusive artworld of fifteenth-century Florence. If only all early modern women artists had been able to achieve the same happy ending that Mella does! Husted's vivid images and well-informed engagement with many aspects of fifteenth-century Florentine painting make this book a fun and fascinating read. I enjoyed every page. — Dr. Babette Bohn, author of Women Artists, Their Patrons, and Their Publics in Early Modern Bologna A highly entertaining and instructive imagining of how, against all odds, a young girl in Renaissance Florence realises her dream of becoming an artist. — Rosalind Brown-Grant, translator of Christine de Pizan’s Book of the City of Ladies Oh, what a delightful book! I loved this charming and informative tale of a girl who desperately wants to become an artist in 15th century Italy. Ursula's funny and lovely drawings illustrate a timeless story of friendship and determination. Can't wait to give it to the young artists (and graphic novel lovers) in my life! — Tina Connolly, Hugo-nominated author of Seriously Wicked With deeply researched detail, witty dialogue and humor, Ursula Murray Husted's beautifully drawn and colored Botticelli's Apprentice invites us into an immersive world of Renaissance Florence, and the story of young Mella's determination to become a painter. Expect to close this book with a new understanding of 15th century painting techniques-- how to gesso a panel and paint in egg tempera—as well as a renewed sense of how ingenuity, friendships, and one licky blue dog help to persevere in what makes you feel most alive. — Glynnis Fawkes, comic illustrator of 1177 B.C. A Graphic History of the Year Civilization Collapsed Brimming with charm and historical detail, Botticelli’s Apprentice will transport you back in time to Renaissance Italy with a tale of following your dreams despite the odds. — Tim Probert, The Lightfall Series Truly, it is a fabulous book! — Koo Schadler, master painter of the Copley Society of Boston and author of Egg Tempera Painting, A Comprehensive Guide  A perfect graphic novel for creative kids. I absolutely LOVED this book! — Aron Nels Stenke, creator of the Mr. Wolf's Class series An utterly engaging and entertaining graphic novel. Well-researched, with a light touch. A delightful introduction to the craft of painting in Renaissance Florence. — Dr. Kathleen Walker-Meikle, author of Medieval Pets and The Dog Book: Dogs of Historical Distinction

Author Information

Ursula Murray Husted holds an MFA in comics from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and a PhD in Design Communication/Visual Ethnography from the University of Minnesota. She teaches comics at the University of Wisconsin Stout and lives in Minneapolis with her partner, their daughter, two cats, and many, many books. Ursula Murray Husted holds an MFA in comics from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and a PhD in Design Communication/Visual Ethnography from the University of Minnesota. She teaches comics at the University of Wisconsin Stout and lives in Minneapolis with her partner, their daughter, two cats, and many, many books.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available