“This brilliant historical novel captures and holds the attention from its rhythmic opening sentence…all the way through to the end…A splendid book, vivid, unforgettable.” New York Times Book Review
Description
In the era of Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyke, Spain had its own great painter—Diego Vel├ísquez. His assistant is Juan, an African slave who helps his master in his studio by preparing paints and stretching canvasses. Soon, by spending time in the studio and watching his master's technique, Juan begins to teach himself to paint too. But such work as the creation of art is forbidden to slaves. Delighted with his work but carefully guarding his secret, Juan is torn between the need to protect himself and the need to reveal his talent.
Praise
“This brilliant historical novel captures and holds the attention from its rhythmic opening sentence…all the way through to the end…A splendid book, vivid, unforgettable.” New York Times Book Review
“Ward’s reading is near flawless. In clear, rich tones, she imbues the first-person story with the sense of majesty and self-possessiveness it deserves; character voices and accents are beautifully delivered.” Today’s School Media Specialist
“The author creates a fresh and different approach to biographical fiction. The novel is also an eloquent testimonial to the bonds between races.” School Library Journal (Starred Review)
“De Treviño’s masterpiece is enhanced by Ward’s glorious narration. The colorful text is presented so artistically that simply listening to all of the different voices and accents is a great pleasure.” AudioFile
“The book is full of memorable scenes…Many paths of interest lead from this original, beautifully written story.” Horn Book Magazine
Details
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Release Day | Nov 30, 1998 |
| Release Date | December 1, 1998 |
| Release Date Machine | 912470400 |
| Imprint | Blackstone Publishing |
| Provider | Blackstone Publishing |
| Categories | Children's Books, Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths, Art, Children 8-12 |
Author Bio
Elizabeth Borton de Treviño (1904–2000) was the highly acclaimed author of many books for young people. Born in California, it was her move to Mexico in the 1930s that inspired many of her books, including El Güero: A True Adventure Story and Leona: A Love Story. She won the Newbery Medal in 1966 for I, Juan de Pareja.
Narrator Bio
Johanna Ward (a.k.a. Kate Reading) is an Audie Award–winning narrator and has received numerous Earphones Awards from AudioFile magazine. She is also a theater actor in the Washington, DC, area and has been a member of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company since 1987. Her work onstage has been recognized by the Helen Hayes Awards Society, among others. She and her husband live in Hyattsville, Maryland, with their two children.
Overview
In the era of Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyke, Spain had its own great painter—Diego Vel├ísquez. His assistant is Juan, an African slave who helps his master in his studio by preparing paints and stretching canvasses. Soon, by spending time in the studio and watching his master's technique, Juan begins to teach himself to paint too. But such work as the creation of art is forbidden to slaves. Delighted with his work but carefully guarding his secret, Juan is torn between the need to protect himself and the need to reveal his talent.
Reviews
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