Review of Arte

I am a big fan of the Italian Renaissance and in particular of its painting, and also interested in the life of its artists. I was therefore delighted to discover the manga devoted to the formative years of a young woman painter, whose character has obviously been inspired by the true-life figure of Artemissia Gentilesschi, although the author has set the story a couple of generations earlier and gives her a slightly different background. Finding out this series was coming out as an anime was also great news. I'm overall delighted by this production which has been a joy to binge watch in a few days.The story adaptation is closely true to the manga. It is always ambitious to adapt in anime a story about art and that requires portrayal of beautiful places, Renaissance Florence and Venice, where the young Arte's apprenticeship takes her. Some will perhaps find the art a bit minimalistic in relation to this, though there are some very recognizable pieces of both architecture, landscape and some famous artworks that feature. In terms of historical detail, costumes and appearances are quite accurate, as is much of the re-telling of everyday life. There are occasions where the brutality of the times and the hard fate of people might be a little glossed over so as to make the viewing suitable for all ages. But it's educational anyways.

Arte is a wonderfully inspiring character, with greatly positive values, and certainly an inspiring role models for girls, for the artistically-minded as well. Her bravery, stubbornness and iron-will to make it blend with sensitivity and kindness to others, and make for a well-balanced character. She is shown to be ambitious and demanding for herself, but not arrogant. She is curious to learn, and considerate of less fortunate people, a likable, down-to-earth youngster. While some of the values and attitudes projected might not necessarily be in full accuracy with the behavior of the times, one must allow for some artistic licence and with the story's aim to depict the coming of age of an artist. The manga series, incidentally, is ongoing and the final 12th episode of the anime that reaches the eighth volume leaves open the possibility of further adventures.

While Arte is at the heart of the story and her itinerary from being the fatherless daughter of an impoverished nobleman to a respected, if eccentric, apprentice among the Florentine artists' guild is well depicted, along the way she meets a large cast of supporting characters that for many get a fine treatment. It is subtly done because these people aren't just actors in the story; in some cases they serve as models for Arte's paintings as well as useful guides, whatever their age or station in life, as she herself is growing up, honing her skills and nurturing her confidence and self-worth as an artist and a person. Special mention to Leo, the somewhat marginal painter who is the only one to dare to hire Arte as his apprentice (his background is a bit mysterious and there is obviously room to discover more about him and where he has acquired his talent); Veronica, a courtesan who is not just Arte's first patron and subject, but also gives her, on the basis of her worldly experience, some unexpected lessons, even in a tale with a strong feminist message ; and Caterina, a little girl from a rich Venetian family whom Arte once comes to tutor and offers also some interesting perspectives on social conventions and ranking, family relations and friendship between older and younger people.

I completely recommend the series to those with an interest in the arts and time of the Renaissance period and also to those who like a strong and positive female lead character. I also really hope a further season will appear!