The Paint Box

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

Marietta is the daughter of a famous Renaissance painter, Tintoretto.
She dresses as a boy, by her father’s wishes, so that she can learn to
paint from him—girls in this era are not allowed to practise a man’s
pursuits. Her most valued possession is a paint box that her father has
given her. One day in Venice, Marietta meets Piero, a boy of her own age
who has been sold into slavery to a ship’s captain. The two children,
who share a passion for painting, become friends and for a short time
freely roam the canals and streets of Venice, painting, boating, and
always talking. When their time together comes to an end, Marietta gives
Piero a gift—the paint box she received from her father—from one
artist to another. Piero’s gift to her comes a little while later.

Maxine Trottier’s 16th-century story poignantly evokes the
circumstances of Marietta and Piero: both trapped, though in vastly
different ways, both unable to fulfill their dreams without betraying
their true selves. Their lack of freedom and the restrictions imposed by
their respective gender, class, and family backgrounds are tellingly
expressed.

Stella East’s beautiful illustrations are evocative of Renaissance
art. Venice seems to shimmer with colour, and a fitting watery sheen
overlays many of the images. Perspective is played with in an intriguing
way, and the human figures have an almost otherworldly quality. The
image of a sleeping Piero is especially memorable. Highly recommended.