Artemisia Gentileschi
This rare painting by Artemisia Gentileschi is one of only five known true self-portraits by the artist—and quite possibly the earliest. Painted around 1613, when Artemisia was barely 20 years old, it dates from her formative years in Florence, a period that marked a decisive turning point in both her life and career. It was here that she emerged from her father Orazio Gentileschi’s shadow, establishing herself as an independent, professional painter.
Born in Rome in 1593, Artemisia showed exceptional talent from a young age but faced severe social restrictions as an unmarried woman. Despite limited access to artistic training and public artworks, she was painting independently by 16 and was already celebrated by her father as “without equal.” Her early career was violently disrupted in 1611, when she was raped by the painter Agostino Tassi. After a notorious trial—during which she was subjected to torture to prove her testimony—Artemisia married Pierantonio Stiattesi and relocated to Florence, where she began anew.
Florence proved transformative. Artemisia learned to read and write, gained access to elite intellectual circles, and secured major commissions, including work for the Medici court. She became the first woman admitted to the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno and quickly earned a reputation for her powerful, emotionally charged paintings. During this period, she repeatedly used her own likeness in her work, adopting different guises as saints, musicians, and heroines—an astute strategy that promoted both her talent and her identity in a competitive art market.
In this intimate panel painting, Artemisia presents herself as Saint Catherine of Alexandria, identifiable by the martyr’s palm, crown, and broken wheel. The tight composition and direct gaze draw the viewer into a close encounter, while technical analysis reveals that the work began as a secular self-portrait and was later transformed into a religious image, likely in response to patron demand.
P.S. Discover 50 masterpieces by women artists you can’t miss (including the artwork presented today!) The second edition of the Women Artists 50 Postcards Set is here—ready to inspire, delight, and be shared.
P.P.S. Today's artist is rightfully considered one of the finest Baroque painters. Here's Artemisia Gentileschi in 10 masterpieces!