Botticelli's Apprentice

Written & illustrated by Ursula Murray Husted

A young artist must fight for recognition in Renaissance Italy.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 460 ratings

272 pages

$24.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In Renaissance Florence, Mella dreams of becoming an artist despite societal norms. Secretly painting while tending Botticelli's chickens, her talent is discovered by a rival apprentice who threatens to claim her work. With unexpected allies, including a stray dog named Blue, Mella must fight for her rightful place in the art world. Can she prove her worth and gain the recognition she deserves?

From the publisher

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.

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