Baroque artist, Artemisia Gentileschi, born in Rome in 1593, was graced with the good fortune of having a famous painter as her father, Orazio Gentileschi. She received her training from one of the best early in her life and made a name for herself by the age of 15. Her popularity and fame took her from Rome to Florence, Venice, Naples, and then London to High Society of Europe. Artemisia became the highest accomplished woman painter of the 17th century.
A Notorious Trial
After this peak of celebrity at the very early age of 18, a terrible tragedy befell her. Artemisia was raped by her tutor and friend of her father’s, Agostino Tassi. During the trial, Tassi accused Artemisia of prostitution. She ultimately had to prove she was a virgin by subjecting to a gynaecological exam in the courtroom. More of the lengthy and gory details that include torture can be found here in verified court documents. This notorious trial found Tassi guilty, and he was sentenced with banishment from Rome. Alas, this was never enforced, but Artemisia was punished and forbidden to remain in Rome.
Unimaginable Indignities
It is apparent that Artemisia was profoundly affected by the indignities she suffered and became vengeful by using the subject matter of her artwork to portray her anger. Her feelings came through loud and clear in her paintings as, “on the whole male society” should be avoided. Often the subjects in her paintings contained violent scenes such as in her painting, Judith Beheading Holofernes.
After the trial, she married a Florentine Pierantonio di Vincenzo Stiattesi and subsequently had five children, (only four lived to adulthood). While living in Florence, she became a member of the Academy of the Arts. Later they relocated back to Rome, then Naples where she maintained a studio for many years. It’s no wonder that her work reflected lives of women enduring sexual harassment, empowered women pursuing their own fate, and women’s unity.
A Friend to Galileo
There was a brighter side to Artemisia’s private life as she enjoyed the backing of the Medici family along with friendship with many well-known artists of the day. For many years, she was friends with Galileo. Another avid fan of hers was Michelangelo’s nephew, who gave her a commission to decorate a gallery in the House of Buonarroti with a mural. At one point, this mural, an image of a nude woman, was censored with an addition of a blue drapery. It was restored to the original state at a later date.
The Life of an Icon
Artemisia continued to paint, garner important commissions, and join prestigious academies and organizations. She followed her father to England, where she became court painter to King Charles, and there she remained active even after Orazio died in 1639. It is thought that Artemisia died in 1654, possibly later. There is lots of information about this astonishing artist who endured unimaginable scrutiny and shame but persevered to show the world women can overcome obstacles. Many films, books, plays, and information on the Internet tell more stories and in-depth details about the life of an icon who has become a beacon of light and strength in the never-ending galaxy of forgotten women artists.
Coming Soon Dancing Backwards in High Heels Part ll, Bronze Coast Gallery, Cannon Beach, OR, October 11, 2025
A camera could not pick up the details in these paintings like this artist does. So beautiful. Thank you.
Joanne
Thank you for your nice comment, Joanne. It is comments like yours that keep artists like me chained to our easels.
Margret