Artemisia

Abstract

Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1654 or later) is the most celebrated woman artist of the baroque period in Italy. Her career spanned more than 40 years, as she moved between Rome, where she was raised and trained by her father, Orazio Gentileschi, to Florence, where she gained artistic independence and became the first female member of the city's academy of artists, and to Venice, London, and Naples. Often featuring heroic female subjects, her paintings were predominantly intended for private clients. Today they are recognized for their dramatic power and originality, showing Artemisia to be one of the most compelling storytellers of her time. This beautiful book includes essays on her life and career; a discussion of her personal and artistic relationship with her father; a summary of critical writings and an overview of the wide range of approaches to Artemisia's work since her rediscovery by feminist art historians more than 50 years ago; a more personal insight into Artemisia through her letters; a discussion of the artist's self-representation in her work; and an essay dedicated to her painting technique. Exhibition: National Gallery, London, UK (04.04.-26.06.2020)

Contents

Artemisia Gentileschi: La Pittora / Elizabeth Cropper -- Orazio and Artemisia: From 'such an ugly deed' to 'honours and favours' at the English court / Patrizia Cavazzini -- 'Bella, pulita, e senza macchia': Artemisia and her letters / Francesco Solinas -- Artemisia portraying her self / Letizia Treves -- The muse of history: Artemisia Gentileschi's first four centuries of immortal fame / Sheila Barker -- Looking at Artemisia / Larry Keith -- Catalogue -- Notes to the catalogue -- Bibliography -- Chronology / Francesca Whitlum-Cooper.