Ascanio

Ascanio is one of the most exciting historical novels by Alexandre Dumas. The idea for this work came to the writer after he received the memoirs of Benvenuto Cellini, the greatest Italian sculptor, jeweler, and painter of the Renaissance era.
A... young man named Ascanio is in love with a charming girl named Colomba, the daughter of a wealthy nobleman. But, unfortunately, he becomes the object of an intense love from the king's favorite, the Duchess d’Étampes, who is willing to do anything for her love, even betrayal. The celebrated artist and talented master Cellini comes to the aid of the young lovers. He is ready to sacrifice his life for the happiness of his student and the beautiful Colomba. His noble heart, extraordinary talent, and steady hand stand up against the cunning and deceit of influential intrigues.
The unique illustrations by Anatoly Zinovievich Itkin literally merge with the plot of this wonderful novel and brilliantly convey the atmosphere of events occurring in France during the reign of Francis I.