As a history major at university who studied the Renaissance for a year, I explored the careers of artists and the works that came from the period. This included female artists who faced many barriers, as seen in Arte, which I liked the historical accuracy. I can imagine someone who has never studied this period or even explored women's lives during the Renaissance. This anime would be mediocre and bad, but to me, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Having written many essays on artists and artwork, including the representation of women in pieces painted by famous artists from the period, including that of one of the most successful female artists Artemisia Gentileschi which makes me wonder if the main character Arte was actually named after as Artemisia was also from a noble family whose father was an artist himself.
I found the inclusion of storylines following other women very intriguing as it held historical accuracy again; the widow who was begging her in-laws for the dowery that her father had given them was extremely important to include as it not only shows the barriers women faced during this period but opens a discussion about why women were especially widows treated so poorly by society. I also enjoyed the storyline when Arte went to Venice to tutor the little girl and was commissioned portraits. It allowed other women to encourage a young girl to follow her dreams even if the societal restrictions were telling her otherwise. Women were often married off by their fathers for political gain, especially for noble girls.
I loved the character development of Arte throughout this anime and the way her character proved males wrong through actions and her determination to fit in and be accepted. She wasn’t afraid to challenge the males who tried to put her down and belittle her for being a woman. She would show up at workshops and demand to be given a chance which not only shows determination but allowed her to truly break a stigma that women were only suitable as wives or nuns. This anime truly discussed historically accurate discriminations that females faced in this era, and I praise the mangaka for that!
As an individual fascinated by Renaissance artwork, this anime was delightful; I wish it followed her journey further, but I understand it is likely never going to happen. I think more people should give this a watch and look at it from a different perspective. Noblewomen were used as political objects, and lower-class women were forced to work alongside their husbands. Even the clothing a woman was allowed to wear was restricted by class. I found the hints to famous Renaissance artists interesting as well, and the portrayal of famous works was just wonderful! I also loved how in portraits of women, the pose was historically accurate for the period as well – noblewomen were painted in the three-quarter pose, which meant that their gaze was not to face the viewer – unless the portrait was for a political display, would they often gaze towards the viewer.
Overall, I liked the anime and its historical nature, showcasing the life of an aspiring artist who faced discrimination everywhere she went just for being a girl – has much changed? It’s an argument historian still explore today. It is rather inspiring to see a woman follow a career she is passionate about; her determination should be noticed and be an inspiration to females in today’s climate. Do not give up on your dreams!
