Alternative Title: アルテ
↓ Spoilers Ahead ↓
「 A quote from this series 」
"If I'm going to regret it either way, then I want to have regrets doing what I want to do."
「 The Review 」SynopsisIn a time where women were highly discriminated against, a young artist named Arte was determined to achieve her goal as a painter.
StoryIf you're looking for an anime about feminism, then here you go. A lot of the scenes here featured the main character being looked down on and laughed at for trying to do things, that in the 16th century were considered strictly for men. However, our protagonist showed how much of a hard worker she was, thus gaining the respect she very well deserved.
Other women's issues like being a prostitute, a widow, an unwanted daughter (because of some parents who worry about providing a dowry), and a wife who can't express her opinions to her husband, were tackled here as well.
Another thing was how artists found it hard to find a job. This show made me realized that those in the art sector, really do struggle in making money using their talent.
All in all, this was a good eye-opener to what women were fighting for, not just in the past but even up until today.
Amongst the supporting characters here, I really liked Yuri. The personality which made him stood out the most was his being candid.
Here's some:
And on this next one, he may sound heartless, but if you try to understand, he was basically saying: "Take care of yourself, so that my niece doesn't need to worry."
Another character that caught my attention was Veronica:
Despite being a courtesan, she became a great mentor to Arte. Something that Arte's mother failed to do.
And to the main couple, and I don't mean as a romantic pair, I loved how they kept their working relationship professional and no bias.
If someone will ask me if I want Arte and Leo to be together at the end... My answer is: No. I'd rather much see them as successful and renowned painters, both having new apprentices (of any gender) under them.
I'll jump to the part which I didn't like... It was the scene where Ruthanna, a pregnant woman, was pushed to the ground.
Seriously, what if something bad happened to her baby? If the writer wanted to show how the Mother-in-law despised her, I think slamming the door would be enough.
In terms of dialogues, the show has provided a lot of inspiring words, mostly for women, but I think some of it can also be applied to men.
Ubertino's place was a feast to the eyes for every art lover. It's literally filled with gorgeous paintings.
I also found the animation for the river in Venice to be fascinating:
The building designs were similar in the 16th Century Florence and Venice as well.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence:
St. Mark's Square in Venice:
Costume designs were also on point. They made sure it's similar to what people were wearing at that time.
Music / SoundMaaya Sakamoto lent her beautiful voice for the opening song 'Clover.'
There were great tracks throughout the series, and just like the background to a portrait, they don't overshadow the main subject of a scene.
- 1 - I Want to Be an Apprentice - 4
- 2 - A New Life - 4.5
- 3 - First Job - 5
- 4 - Courtesan - 5
- 5 - Inescapable Bond - 4
- 6 - Trade Guild - 4.5
- 7 - The Venetian Noble - 4
- 8 - A New Chapter - 5
- 9 - Naughty Child - 4.5
- 10 - Katarina's Dinner - 5
- 11 - The Faliers' Portrait Painter - 4.5
- 12 - Apprentice - 5
PS: The canvas in the finale could have been better if they showed a portrait of Arte instead.
「 Series Rating 」
About the Author
An otaku since the mid-90's. I consider Evangelion as the most influential anime. My favorite classic films are Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Spirited Away.
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