Artemisia Visits: Glasgow Women's Library

ARTEMISIA VISITS GLASGOW WOMEN'S LIBRARY Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1654, or later) was the most celebrated female painter of the 17th century and counted leading European rulers among her patrons, including Charles I of England. She was born in Rome, the only daughter of the artist Orazio Gentileschi (1563-1639), under whom she trained. At the age of 17 Artemisia was raped by the painter Agostino Tassi and endured physical torture at his trial (commonly used in cross-examination) to ensure his conviction. In 1612 Artemisia married, moved to Florence and established herself as an independent artist. Over the next five years she gave birth to five children, only one of whom survived. She also became the first woman to gain membership to the Academy of the Arts of Drawing. By the time she returned to Rome in 1620 her paintings were in high demand. In 1630 Artemisia settled in Naples where she later ran a studio with her daughter Prudenzia, also a painter, and continued to enjoy considerable success. Artemisia's personal identity is closely intertwined with her art. In this painting of about 1615-17, Artemisia portrays herself as the 4th-century Christian saint, Catherine of Alexandria. Famous for her intellect and resilience under torture, Catherine's legend tells how she defended her faith against 50 philosophers before being sentenced to death. Bound to revolving wheels studded with iron spikes, Catherine was rescued through divine intervention and was later beheaded. Here, fixing our gaze with an intense stare, Artemisia as Saint Catherine leans on the broken wheel and holds a palm frond, a Christian symbol of martyrdom. Artemisia's ability to suggest a powerful physical and psychological presence deeply impressed her contemporaries and today places her among the greatest artists of her time. To find out more visit www.nationalgallery.org.uk/Artemisiavisits EVAC CHAIR