Artemisia Gentileschi

One of the most accomplished painters of the Italian Baroque, Gentileschi was born in Rome, and, as the daughter of a painter, she was introduced to the world of art through his workshop. From an early age, she displayed remarkable talent, mastering the use of chiaroscuro, naturalistic detail and expressive emotion.

Unlike many of her male contemporaries, Gentileschi gave her female figures strength and agency, depicting them as being deeply complex, multi-faceted individuals. Throughout her career, she frequently chose subjects from biblical and mythological sources, often focusing on powerful women such as Judith, Cleopatra and Esther, which has resulted in her being the token woman in many Baroque surveys.

Moving to Florence in 1613, she became the first woman admitted to the prestigious Accademia delle Arti del Disegno and came under the patronage of the Medici family, before later working in Venice, Rome and Naples, attracting commissions from aristocratic and royal patrons.

As her international reputation grew steadily her works began commanding high prices and earning praise from critics and collectors across Europe. During her time in Naples, she established a successful workshop and mentored other artists, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit alongside her artistic genius.

Her style evolved throughout her career, incorporating greater refinement and elegance while retaining the emotional force that characterised her early work. She experimented with different techniques and themes, creating stunning self-portraits that asserted her identity as a professional artist, as well as large-scale historical paintings that rivaled those of her most celebrated male peers.

Now recognised as one of the most important painters of her time, Gentileschi's bold compositions, psychological insight and commitment to portraying women with dignity and strength have earned her lasting acclaim and a legacy continues to inspire artists and historians alike.