More On Artemisia Gentileschi

In case you were wondering, Dhyana was correct about the paintings below. The one on the top was painted by Artemisia Gentileschi. She was taught how to paint by her father who was a student in the Caravaggio school. So they do look similar.

Her version of Judith has become famous for it realistic depiction of a woman trying to overpower and kill a man. Judith did have the help of her handmaiden, who probably was her confidant and best friend. The handmaiden climbs on top of Holofernes to hold him down and Judith does the dirty deed. It looks like Judith even has her knee up on Holofernes' chest for leverage.

In the Caravaggio painting, Judith is not only is too small to kill Holofernes by herself, but in an unbelievable position to do so. Her elderly handmaid cowers behind her, useless.

Artemisia is famous for being one of the first women artists to get commissioned art work. She is a feminist icon for her realistic portrayals of women, from the Bible mostly. In her portrayal of "Susanna and the Elders" she shows Susanna being shocked and violated by the Elders who are basically Peeping Toms.

The power that Judith must muster to decapitate Holofernes has been the subject of speculation through the years given Artemisia's personal life. She was raped by another painter who then proceeded to offer to marry her in order to save her reputation. She eventually took the low-life to trial. The trial lasted seven months during which time she was tortured in order for anyone to believe she was telling the truth. The rapist was convicted and spent less than a year in prison.

Here's a self-portrait by Artemisia.