Character Catalog

Artemisia's first known work, painted at age 17, depicting a woman harassed by two men. Unlike her male contemporaries, she paints Susanna as a terrified, non-consenting victim, already revealing her singular perspective.

A masterpiece of Baroque painting, held at the Uffizi in Florence. Artemisia depicts a determined and powerful Judith, aided by her maidservant, in a scene of realistic violence unprecedented in feminine iconography.

An earlier version of the same subject, held at the Museo di Capodimonte in Naples. Painted shortly after the Tassi trial, it is often interpreted as the most direct symbolic expression of Artemisia's trauma and desire for vengeance.

A unique self-portrait in the history of art: Artemisia depicts herself in the act of painting, identifying with the allegory of Painting as defined by Cesare Ripa. Held in the Royal Collection in the United Kingdom.

A narrative continuation of the beheading scene, showing Judith and Abra preparing to flee with Holofernes's head. The work illustrates female solidarity and the courage of both characters, recurring themes throughout Artemisia's oeuvre.

A large composition depicting Queen Esther interceding with the king to save her people. Artemisia endows Esther with exceptional dignity and presence, far removed from the usual passive representations.

An introspective portrait of a solitary, contemplative Mary Magdalene, far from the sensual or dramatic depictions of the era. Artemisia here explores the inner psychology of her female subjects.

Io vi dico che come donna ho gran cordoglio, però mi rimetto alla volontà di Dio e della vostra bontà.

Vi farò vedere quello che può fare una donna. Sarà una cosa che stupirà qualunque grande principe.

Io Artemisia, figlia di Orazio Gentileschi, pittore, afferma che Agostino Tassi mi usò violenza e mi tolse l'onore.

La pittura è cosa mia propria e naturale e non imparata, poiché mio padre era pittore e mi ha insegnato l'arte.

Artemisia's birthplace and cradle of her artistic training under her father Orazio. It was in Rome that the Tassi trial took place in 1612, a defining event in her life and work.

The city where Artemisia settled after her marriage (1612–1620) and where she gained official recognition by joining the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno in 1616, under the patronage of the Medici.

The artistic capital of southern Italy where Artemisia ran her most prosperous workshop from 1630. It was there that she produced some of her most ambitious works and where she died around 1653.

Artemisia stayed at the court of Charles I between 1638 and 1641, invited to join her father Orazio, the king's official painter. There she produced, among other works, her allegorical self-portrait 'La Pittura'.

The institution that holds several of Artemisia's masterpieces, including 'Judith Slaying Holofernes' (1614–1620). It is one of the first museums in the world to have exhibited her works during her lifetime.

A fundamental tool of her trade, Artemisia's palette was loaded with precious pigments such as lapis lazuli and vermilion. She worked directly on canvas stretched over a frame, standing before her large compositions.

An heir to Caravaggesque chiaroscuro, Artemisia used artificial light sources to create her dramatic effects. The candle or torch served as a reference during studio working sessions.

Artemisia frequently depicted armed biblical or mythological women — Judith, Jael, Lucretia. These weapons appear in her paintings as symbols of justice and female strength.

Artemisia was an active letter-writer who corresponded with patrons, collectors, and artists across Europe. Her letters are today a precious historical source on the life of a 17th-century female artist.

Artemisia painted herself on several occasions, most notably in 'Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting' (1638–1639). The mirror was an essential tool for studying expressions and poses.

Artemisia personally negotiated her fees with her patrons — a rare practice for a woman. Her contracts reflect her status as an independent and recognized artist.