Neptune Fountain

It always comes as a shock to me, even after all of these years, when I type in the title of a book, run a search, and while finding the book, discover that it is now out of print! This is particularly true of books that are truly quality books and indeed, timeless books such as we have here."I was born fifteen years ago today in 1605. My father wants me to continue working with him in the shoe shop, but I want to be like Luigi Borghini, the greatest sculptor in Rome. Today I am going to his studio to ask him if he will take me on as an apprentice."And so begins a wonderfully enchanting tale told in a mellow tone which is very, very informative, of a young lad's adventure as an apprentice in seventeenth-century Rome. Taylor Morrison has truly created a remarkable work here.We are taken via some beautiful illustrations and a very readable text from the streets of Renaissance Rome, into the studio of the sculptor; Luigi Borghini and then through the entire process of creating a most wonderful work of art. From the studio to the marble quarries of Carrara; we are treated to the entire process, drawing, study, designing, modeling, cutting to the stone, transportation, the shaping of a figure which is pulled from a solid block of marble, all the way through its placement in the Piazza Corsanini.The story is told in first person through the eyes of this young boy. This is one of those books/stories that are not only a delight to read, but informs and inspires at the same time.The author has used various techniques in creating his illustrations, from painting, to drawing, from swirling landscapes to extremely detailed glimpse of art pieces and work methods. This is extremely effective! This is one talented artist!Now I am not one of those people who wail and whine over the "good old days," as I feel they actually never existed outside of nostalgic wishful thinking, but I happened to have been teaching a class of sixth graders for the past five days and I could not help but speculate how much better off some of the young folks would be if they could somehow experience three or four years in the world of the author's hero.I suppose that a book such as this will be the closest they will ever come, which while not perfect, is sure better than nothing.The author has included a very useful and comprehensive glossary in the back of the book. If you have not read this one with your child (ideal age would be between the 3rd and 6th grade), you really need to do so. Actually, you the adult, will probably enjoy it as much as the kid. Antonio's Apprenticeship: Painting a Fresco in Renaissance Italy Don BlankenshipThe Ozarks

Morrison has captured the essence of the apprenticeship program in Renaissance Italy. Illustrated and written by Morrison, the book describes the process used in sculpting massive pieces and the quarry process. Fully illustrated in Morrison's inimitible style, this fictionalized account describes the life of a young apprentice in his quest to learn the "art."Fully illustrated, historical fiction, includes full glossary of art terms used.Of interest to young artists, Renaissance Italy buffs and children in grades 4-6.