After deciding on the topic for this project, I found two books on women artists in my library and began the research. Several works by certain artists stood out. As usual, vibrant shimmering color or color harmony draws me in to a composition. The work of Elisabetta Sirani instantly reveals a bold color palette often with unmuted primary and secondary colors.
This is a technique that requires great skill in the handling because it can easily become garish if not treated carefully. One issue to keep in mind when using an image for reference that is in print form, is from book print to book print the colors do not often match because of the varying printing process.
Just Go for It!
You must settle on one that you like and ‘go for it’. The only solution to this problem is if you are standing right in front of the real painting in a museum or have access to a private collection which is rarely possible. So that is what I have done here, I went for it! and chose Portia Wounding Herself in the Thigh! because of the sizzling warmth of the red pigment, most likely vermillion glazed with a madder lake. All the earth tones such as Venetian red, yellow ochre, ivory black, umber, and sienna would have been on her palette too. And of course, the precious lapis lazuli.
Beloved Teacher, Painter, Printmaker, and Businesswoman Brought Home the Bacon Too!
The daughter of a prominent artist, Sirani became very successful and sought after during her very short life. In her birth city of Bologna, she trained in painting, drawing, one of the first women in printmaking, and art theory. Her female only art school supported her extended family after her father became ill.
Bold Bravura with a Painterly Flair
Over the years, Elisabetta developed a painterly bravura style which is reflective in her daring expressive use of color. Sirani also encouraged young female artists to pursue their passion as she had done throughout her life. Sadly, Elisabetta’s life ended way too soon when she died suddenly of peritonitis at age 27. She was given a celebrated public civil funeral which was widely attended by her adoring fans and patrons.
Emulating Elisabetta’s Palette
Here, I have used the color palette of Sirani’s painting as my selected color scheme which was a joy to paint. The striking use of red throughout a large part of the composition pulled me into the scene. Her use of varying shades of red here and there, some pure color, and others muted shows her skill of control. This gives an over-all harmony to the entire canvas. The dazzling, brilliant lights in the skin tone and cuffs of the dress add a shimmering glow. Likewise, the darks surrounding her head add a dramatic foil to the brights. The subtle amount of pattern on the fabric in the lower right adds textile interest.
Snippet Revealed
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