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Lives of the Artists
Lives of Artemisia Gentileschi
A compendium of writings, letters, and records illuminating the life of Artemisia Gentileschi, the most influential female painter of the Italian Baroque.
Lives of Artemisia Gentileschipresents a fascinating look at the famous Baroque artist. Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–1653) was an Italian painter known for the naturalism with which she depicted the female body and her use of rich colors and chiaroscuro. Born in Rome, she was trained by her father, the painter Orazio Gentileschi, and was working professionally by the time she was a teenager. In a period when women artists very rarely achieved success in their field, she was commissioned by royalty across Europe and was the first woman to become a member of Florence’s prestigious Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, later becoming an educator in the arts.
Lending further insight into the extraordinary life of this trailblazing artist, this volume presents an absorbing collection of letters, biographies, and court testimonies supplemented with essays written by contemporaries, several of which are published here in English for the first time. The vivid illustrations include three works that have only recently been attributed to Gentileschi. An introduction by Sheila Barker, founding director of the Jane Fortune Research Program on Women Artists, contextualizes these texts and discusses Gentileschi’s legacy.
Lives of Artemisia Gentileschipresents a fascinating look at the famous Baroque artist. Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–1653) was an Italian painter known for the naturalism with which she depicted the female body and her use of rich colors and chiaroscuro. Born in Rome, she was trained by her father, the painter Orazio Gentileschi, and was working professionally by the time she was a teenager. In a period when women artists very rarely achieved success in their field, she was commissioned by royalty across Europe and was the first woman to become a member of Florence’s prestigious Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, later becoming an educator in the arts.
Lending further insight into the extraordinary life of this trailblazing artist, this volume presents an absorbing collection of letters, biographies, and court testimonies supplemented with essays written by contemporaries, several of which are published here in English for the first time. The vivid illustrations include three works that have only recently been attributed to Gentileschi. An introduction by Sheila Barker, founding director of the Jane Fortune Research Program on Women Artists, contextualizes these texts and discusses Gentileschi’s legacy.
- GenresArtNonfictionArt History
192 pages, Paperback
Published April 20, 2021
3 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Artemisia Gentileschi
29 books12 followersdied perhaps 1652
Works of Italian baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi include self-portraits and courageous women of the Bible.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemis...
Works of Italian baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi include self-portraits and courageous women of the Bible.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemis...
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 5, 2025
"(...) and destined for eternal fame is the name of Artemisia Gentileschi"
June 15, 2021
Fantastic read. I’d love to read more about this amazing artist.
November 13, 2022
This little book contains beautiful reproductions of many of Artemisia's paintings! I had no idea that she had painted such a wide variety of subjects: Portraits of patrons, biblical scenes, and allegorical mythology.
She was widely known and celebrated in her time - mid 17th century. She was wiling to undergo thumb screws to prove her truthfulness about being raped by Agostino Tassi. He was found guilty and sent to prison. I have watched a movie that romanticized their relationship. But there is no doubt that he initially raped her, and had further relations with her, promising to marry her (even though he was married).
Sheila Barker writes a summary in the introduction of all that can be known about Artemisia (including her nickname "Mizia." Then translated letters both from Artemisia and about her follow, revealing the phrasing of the 17th century. Artemisia signed off on many of her letters to her rich patrons as "kissing your hand." She very generously told them that she loved them and then pleaded for her commissions. In one letter she explained that because there was a need for many nude models, her expenses were extraordinary (and that they were hard to come by and keep!).
Indeed, that she painted fully nude women was incredibly unique for a female artist. In some there was conjecture that she was the model for some, leading to some scandal.
She even wrote to Gallileo, asking for his help in money matters.
A wonderful, short and insightful read about this Baroque painter!
She was widely known and celebrated in her time - mid 17th century. She was wiling to undergo thumb screws to prove her truthfulness about being raped by Agostino Tassi. He was found guilty and sent to prison. I have watched a movie that romanticized their relationship. But there is no doubt that he initially raped her, and had further relations with her, promising to marry her (even though he was married).
Sheila Barker writes a summary in the introduction of all that can be known about Artemisia (including her nickname "Mizia." Then translated letters both from Artemisia and about her follow, revealing the phrasing of the 17th century. Artemisia signed off on many of her letters to her rich patrons as "kissing your hand." She very generously told them that she loved them and then pleaded for her commissions. In one letter she explained that because there was a need for many nude models, her expenses were extraordinary (and that they were hard to come by and keep!).
Indeed, that she painted fully nude women was incredibly unique for a female artist. In some there was conjecture that she was the model for some, leading to some scandal.
She even wrote to Gallileo, asking for his help in money matters.
A wonderful, short and insightful read about this Baroque painter!
May 12, 2023
"The inscription calls her 'most famous' and 'a miracle of painting, easier to envy than to imitate.'"
"In Roman art market crowded with imitators of Caravaggio, Artemisia's vivid, luminous, and womanly brand of Baroque naturalism commanded all eyes."
"In the end everything comes to an end and so I should not be surprised that there is an end to Your Lordship's love, which I had always reckoned to be infinite. Enough! God keep you."
"Well! I have learnt what I would not have wished to learn about you; in the end, everyone looks after themselves: the proof is that while I was in your Lordship's sight you would do everything possible for me, and the impossible too; but absence puts an end to everything."
"I strongly sympathize with your Lordship because hearing a woman's name leaves one in doubt, until the work is seen."
"Let it be known, Your Most Illustrious Lordship, that, when I ask for a price, I do not do it following the custom in Naples, where one asks for thirty crowns to receive four. I am Roman, I always do business in the Roman way."
"In Roman art market crowded with imitators of Caravaggio, Artemisia's vivid, luminous, and womanly brand of Baroque naturalism commanded all eyes."
"In the end everything comes to an end and so I should not be surprised that there is an end to Your Lordship's love, which I had always reckoned to be infinite. Enough! God keep you."
"Well! I have learnt what I would not have wished to learn about you; in the end, everyone looks after themselves: the proof is that while I was in your Lordship's sight you would do everything possible for me, and the impossible too; but absence puts an end to everything."
"I strongly sympathize with your Lordship because hearing a woman's name leaves one in doubt, until the work is seen."
"Let it be known, Your Most Illustrious Lordship, that, when I ask for a price, I do not do it following the custom in Naples, where one asks for thirty crowns to receive four. I am Roman, I always do business in the Roman way."
January 4, 2026
Reading Artemisia's personal account of her rape and the details of her torture under oath were nothing short of harrowing. It has been a long time since I've read anything so impactful. If—for whatever reason—you've yet to be radicalized as a feminist this and Gentileschi's paintings are sure to do it.
Nothings changed so it seems.
All women will recognize their fears in this 17th century women's bravery.
Nothings changed so it seems.
All women will recognize their fears in this 17th century women's bravery.
April 10, 2022
Great read about Artemesia’s life told mostly through correspondences and court accounts. It leaves the reader wanting to learn more. It was also a decent source for names of some of her patrons.
June 28, 2023
Queen 👸
January 8, 2026
Her story is so inspiring - a trailblazer in the art world, breaking barriers and creating masterpieces 💪.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews