From the artist's life
As a teenager Artemisia was raped by her tutor and testified under torture at the trial; her ferocious Judith Slaying Holofernes is often read through that ordeal.
Source: Wikipedia / WikimediaBaroque
Artemisia Gentileschi
Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–1656) was the most celebrated woman painter of the Baroque era, a follower of Caravaggio known for powerful, dramatic heroines. She built an international career at a time when few women could even train as artists.
Long overshadowed, Gentileschi is now recognised as a major Baroque master and a feminist icon of art history.
- First woman admitted to Florence's Accademia delle Arti del Disegno.
- Painted fierce biblical heroines like Judith with unmatched intensity.
- Built an international career across Florence, Rome, Venice, Naples and London.
Key works
Where to start
Complete list of key works
Works with a dedicated ArtAtlas page are highlighted in gold.
- Judith Slaying HolofernesOn ArtAtlas
- Judith and Her MaidservantListed for reference
- Allegory of InclinationListed for reference
- Self-Portrait as a Female MartyrListed for reference
- Adoration of the MagiListed for reference
- Susanna and the EldersListed for reference
1613
Judith Slaying Holofernes
The beheading of Holofernes by Judith is recounted in the deuterocanonical Book of Judith, and is the subject of many paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.