Arte

Arte is a 2020 animated historical drama series that airs on Tokyo MX and various other networks. Adapted from the manga series of the same name by Kei Okubo, the series brings to life the struggles of a female artist in the 16th century Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance.

The eponymous lead character, Arte, is a young and wealthy noblewoman who has developed a deep passion for art. Admonished by the society she thrives in for her unconventional ambitions, Arte is determined to go against the societal norms of her time. Most women in the Renaissance era are expected to engage in a domestic life or religious institutions, something Arte adamantly refutes. She finds solace in her artwork, seeking freedom and identity in her canvases and charcoal sketches.

Set in a time where a woman's worth was evaluated through their husbands and domestic skills, Arte is a personification of rebellion and resilience. When her mother attempts to pull her away from her art to learn housekeeping skills for her eventual married life, Arte ultimately decides to leave her affluent life behind to pursue her passion.

Arte's journey takes her to Leo, a renowned but cynical artist who has a deep-seated scepticism about women artists. Stubborn Arte persists in her pleas to become his apprentice, leading to a gruelling test set upon by Leo – the completion of a difficult piece of artwork. Through sheer determination, patience, and the exposure of her deep-seated passion for art, Arte manages to convince the sceptical Leo. The show's captivating narrative follows Arte's life after she becomes Leo's apprentice, charting her journey as she navigates a society steeped in patriarchal values.

Arte is a beautiful portrayal of the Italian Renaissance, an era rich with art, culture, and history. The detailed and vibrant animation brings the strength of the period's architectural and cultural antiquity to the screen. There's a substantial emphasis on the nuances of art-making – from sketching to sculpting to painting, offering viewers a glimpse into the world of art during the Renaissance.

On the other hand, the society's misogynistic outlook is also laid bare through Arte's character. Women are seen as unfit for anything other than marriage, let alone a refined skill like creating art. The series does a commendable job of presenting the gender disparities of the time, providing a stark contrast to the beautiful art and culture it was renowned for.

The show's central character, Arte, is a complex and intriguing persona, displaying a remarkable array of emotions. From her unwavering fighting spirit to her naive tendencies, Arte is representative of the power of passion and belief in self. While Leo acts as a foil to Arte, he too has a substantial character arc, softening his cynicism as he guides Arte through her art journey. Their dynamic offers an appealing blend of mentor-student and friendship, foregrounding the narrative of the show.

One of the key components of Arte is its storytelling style that engages the viewer at all levels of entertainment. At one point, it is a coming-of-age story that tracks Arte's struggle to achieve her dream. Simultaneously, it also captures the strife of a young woman against societal norms and expectations. Crucially, the show also weaves in significant elements of history and culture, appealing to viewers' intellectual sensibilities.

In conclusion, Arte is much more than just an animated series. It's a stirring exploration of an artist's journey and an in-depth analysis of the societal norms during the Renaissance. It beautifully integrates history with fiction, weaving an engrossing narrative that hooks viewers from the start. The impressive animation, combined with brilliant storytelling and vibrant characters, makes Arte a captivating watch for anyone with a love for art, history, feminism, or simply an engrossing drama. Arte crosses the boundaries of genre and appeal, capturing the essence of a young woman’s dream, mired in societal norms, expectations, and prejudices.