The Master's Apprentice

by Rick Jacobson, R.A. Jacobson

When Marco is sent into apprenticeship with the young master, Michelangelo Buonarroti, much rides on his success. His father has worked very hard as a chemist so that Marco can have a better life, and the boy simply cannot let his family down. Armed with good advice, but more importantly, secret color formulas that his father has taught him, the boy has a good chance at success.

But then he meets the jealous senior apprentice Ridolfo, and before Marco knows it, he has been tricked into looking like a fool. Time and again, the older boy trips him up, until Marco is certain he will be sent home in disgrace.

When Michelangelo is summoned to Rome by the pope himself, he can only take one apprentice. Ridolfo has no intention of being left behind, but Marco knows the formula for a color Michelangelo can make good use of. When the master not only likes the gift, but demands the formula, Marco is trapped between wanting to go to Rome and betraying his father’s instruction to keep their secrets secret.

In bringing this story to life, Rick Jacobson and Laura Fernandez show a little-known side of the richest artistic era in the history of the world and one of the greatest geniuses of all time.

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Canada

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 11, 2008

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story about a boy who's father is a chemist, the people who mixed the colors for painters back in the day. Marco is chosen as a junior apprentice to Michelangelo while he is still in Florence and working on the cartoon for "The Battle of Anghiari" which he started and so did Da Vinci, though neither of them finished it. When Marco arrives in Florence, he is greated by Ridolfo, another junior apprentice who despises him and delights in getting Marco in trouble with "Il Divino". However, when Marco decides to make the color emerald green for the master, Michelangelo is impressed and asks for the secret (which Marco will not give up). Michelango is so impressed by his loyalty that he decides to take Marco to Rome with him, where he is to work on the Sistine Chapel.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young apprentice to the great painter and sculptor Michelangelo tries to find a way to please his master by using the knowledge of mixing paints taught to him by his father. I liked this story for the interesting insight into the character of Michelangelo. It's a shame that the frescoes to be created by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci on opposite walls of the same building were never completed. What a spectacle that would have made!

[Woody Calhoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting the chance to read this picture book. The art in the book is very nice and very distinctive which, I suppose, is appropriate considering the main plot revolves around two apprentice's competing for the right to be Michelangelo's top apprentice. As for the story, it is simple, but well done. I feel children would have a fun time reading it, but I would suggest they read it themselves as it is just a tad too long to be read aloud in a class.

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

ART FANS UNITE! This is a fantastic book not only for teaching about the Renaissance art period, but also about Michelangelo and his personality, as well as the culture during his time. It shows great examples of perseverance and loyalty. I personally loved this book because it was so creative and the artwork was stunning.

[Ashley Whiteley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is an interesting story. The book is really long though, and might be too long to read in a group setting. I feel like it is a book meant for reading to oneself. The story is nothing like you would expect.The art work is beautiful. I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story takes place in Italy which was cool since I've been there before. The lesson and morals learned were nice. Happy ending for the main character. It raised some questions as to the truth of the story, which is good because it encourages research. Overall I thought it was a great book.

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit of a long story, but a good story about honesty, integrity, and cleverness. Marco tries hard to please his master and honor his father at the same time - having integrity allows him to do both. I also really enjoyed the illustrations in this book :)

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was really good and enjoyable. I loved the lesson if brought out in the end.

[Brittany & Kids · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story about a boy who is Michelangelo's apprentice. Beautiful illustrations.