The Neptune Fountain: The Apprenticeship of a Renaissance Sculptor

An enchanting story of a boy's dream and his realization of the importance of patience takes place during alandmark period in art history. The Neptune Fountain/The Apprenticeship of a Renaissance Sculptor by Taylor Morrison recreates seventeenth century Italy in glorious detail. Descriptions of the famous Carrara marble quarries and the painstaking steps involved in creating a sculptural fountain's main figure are vibrantly authentic.

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.

This much anticipated (by me) followup to Mr. Morrison's first book: ANTONIO'S APPRENTICESHIP,is a delightful story and beautiful to view. As his only brother/sibling I've grown up watching him (Taylor), flip over placemats at restaurants, draw in books, and bring home steadily more beautiful work from school. But as a psychiatrist, I appreciate the affect of his work. In a time of "in-your-face attitude", there is quiet times in his book: in the story, and the paintings and (my favorite) the drawings. Sometimes the body language reminds me of times working with Taylor and my dad around our house (I know one painting has the sky from our backyard). My recommendation is to find a kid (preferably 3rd-4th grade) struggling with homework, soccer, and music practice, read this book together, and enjoy the quiet time