She was a beautiful Italian Baroque painter, born in Rome in 1593, who endured crushing patriarchal prejudice throughout her career, and even rape… one of the original #MeToo victims. During the trial, she was forced to endure the Sibille, a torture that placed ropes between her fingers pulled harder each time she insisted that she was telling the truth. This was particularly horrifying as it could destroy her ability to paint.
Artemisia Gentileschi turned the horrors of her own life repression, injustice, rape – into brutal biblical paintings that were also a war cry for oppressed women.
At a time when women could not have careers, and much less be painters, Artemisia has endured as one of the most lauded artists of her time. She portrayed women as powerful, beautiful, heroines. Although she was married off, forcing her to leave Rome for Florence, she thrived there and became the first woman admitted to the Academy of Design.
When I Fell for Artemisia
I first discovered her work in a college art history class, then read a moving historical novel about her life, The Passion of Artemisia. I became fascinated with her survival story, her success and her work. It was the highlight of my trip to Florence when I saw her painting Judith Slaying Holofernes at the Uffizi. It was her second portrayal of Judith, famous for the arced blood spatter based on the scientific drawings of her friend Galileo. Although the experience was transformative, it definitely left me wanting more.
I first discovered her work in a college art history class, then read a moving historical novel about her life, The Passion of Artemisia. I became fascinated with her survival story, her success and her work. It was the highlight of my trip to Florence when I saw her painting Judith Slaying Holofernes at the Uffizi. It was her second portrayal of Judith, famous for the arced blood spatter based on the scientific drawings of her friend Galileo. Although the experience was transformative, It definitely left me wanting more.
A Happy Coincidence
Recently, in the fabulous Doge Palace, gathered in a small anteroom awaiting the last leg of the tour, and bliss! I glanced over and there it was… Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy. On loan for only 1 month. No crowds, no lines, no glass casing. I was transfixed – what an unexpected bonus!
Recently, in the fabulous Doge Palace, gathered in a small anteroom awaiting the last leg of the tour, and bliss! I glanced over and there it was… Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy. On loan for only 1 month. No crowds, no lines, no glass casing. I was transfixed – what an unexpected bonus!
A Second Chance!
And then, less than a month later, I was in Paris and our resident travel expert Fran was determined to visit the Louvre for a traveling Italian Renaissance Art exhibit from the Capodimonte Museum in Naples. My friends and I were “lost in the Louvre” and we stumbled upon a few select works of Gentileschi.
There it was – seemingly larger than life – Judith Slaying Holofernes on loan from Naples. It was actually the first version of her portrayal of Judith and was iconic for the power of the two women as main subjects. I was ecstatic to stand a few feet from the canvas, stare and study as long as I wanted unhindered.
My Passion for Artemisia
Artemisia’s work is extraordinary, beautiful, real and raw. Her story, her struggles against so many oppressions, her passion for painting and ability to compete and win against the suffocating patriarchy. It is both because she is a woman, and how she portrays women.
Resource: View more of Artemisia’s paintings.
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Love this Betsy! What a wonderful tribute to an amazing, inspirational woman! You left ME wanting to know more.
Hi Nancy!
Well thanks – and you deserve more! Wouldn’t a trip to Italy to see her paintings be a blast? Wish we could snap our fingers and be there together. In the meantime, the Passion Of Artemisia is a delightful read… and there are some paintings here in the US.
Betsy
Thank you for bringing this artist to the forefront. I’ve read her name many times over the years. However, I had no idea of her extraordinary life and brutal challenges. I’m newly inspired to learn more about this incredible woman.
Thanks! Artemisia is amazing – I hope you have a chance to see her art and maybe read up a bit. My favorite is The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland.