Yajaira Santos
January 23,17
Art and Women

Artemisia Gentileschi

  Gentileschi was an Italian painter born on July 8, 1593 and is considered one of the most advance and successful Baroque  painter in the 17th century. Despite being a woman, Artemisia Gentilschi was the first woman accepted in the Academia delle arti del Disengo (Academy of Art and Design). Gentilschi's work is famously known for her bold colors and theatrical scenes depicted from the bible with strong female characters in brutal scenes with no remorse.  Another characteristic that is deeply admired is her strong sense of female unity portrayed  in some of her work. For instance, in the image below " Judith Slaying Holofernes" and "Judith and her Maidservant" Artemisia is in the process of slaying Holofornes herself with her companion. On the left, she is seen confidently carrying her sword.

The reason why I chose to write about Artemisia Gentilschi is because she was able to draw strength from within despite leading a life of hardship and being surrounded in a world full of men. Painting was her escape and stage.

Judith and her Maidservant (1613–14) Oil on canvas Palazzo Pitti, Florence

Judith Slaying Holofernes (1614–20) Oil on canvas 199 x 162 cm Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence