Update: This exhibition has been put on hold on account of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Check the National Gallery website for more.
She’s well over 500 years old, but the National Gallery will be at the ready to welcome thousands of visitors to see the work of Artemisia.
The Gallery recently acquired Artemisia Gentileschi’s Self Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria (about 1615–17), which marks the first painting by the artist to enter a UK public collection.
At a time when women artists were not easily accepted, Artemisia Gentileschi was exceptional. Her career spanned more than 40 years and she gained fame and admiration across Europe, counting leading rulers among her patrons. She was the first woman to gain membership to the artists’ academy in Florence.
Although Artemisia was greatly admired during her lifetime, she was essentially rediscovered in the 20th century. Certain elements of her biography – particularly her rape as a young woman and the torture she endured during the trial that followed – have sometimes overshadowed discussions about her artistic achievements, but today she is recognised as one of the most gifted painters of the Italian Baroque period. Her art and life continue to inspire novels, films, documentaries, musical and theatrical productions.
Find the exhibition in the Sainsbury Wing at the National Gallery of London. See more at the Gallery’s website.