After the Execution
Judith and her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes, c.1623-5
Artemisia Gentileschi
This magnificent painting is the pinnacle of Artemisia's response to the powerful naturalism, bold use of colour and dramatic lighting effects made popular by Caravaggio and his followers. Here, by the light of a single candle, Judith and her maidservant prepare to make their escape from the enemy camp under cover of darkness. The monumental scale of this canvas and the figures' theatrical gestures contrast with the claustrophobic intimacy of Artemisia's earlier rendition of the subject.
[National Gallery]
From Artemisia
(October 2020 to January 2021)
"I will show Your Illustrious Lordship what a woman can do"
In 17th-century Europe, at a time when women artists were not easily accepted, Artemisia was exceptional. She challenged conventions and defied expectations to become a successful artist and one of the greatest storytellers of her time.
Artemisia painted subjects that were traditionally the preserve of male artists and for the male gaze; transforming meek maidservants into courageous conspirators and victims into survivors.
In this first major exhibition of Artemisia’s work in the UK, see her best-known paintings including two versions of her iconic and viscerally violent ‘Judith beheading Holofernes’; as well as her self portraits, heroines from history and the Bible, and recently discovered personal letters, seen in the UK for the first time.
[National Gallery]
After the Execution
Judith and her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes, c.1623-5
Artemisia Gentileschi
This magnificent painting is the pinnacle of Artemisia's response to the powerful naturalism, bold use of colour and dramatic lighting effects made popular by Caravaggio and his followers. Here, by the light of a single candle, Judith and her maidservant prepare to make their escape from the enemy camp under cover of darkness. The monumental scale of this canvas and the figures' theatrical gestures contrast with the claustrophobic intimacy of Artemisia's earlier rendition of the subject.
[National Gallery]
From Artemisia
(October 2020 to January 2021)
"I will show Your Illustrious Lordship what a woman can do"
In 17th-century Europe, at a time when women artists were not easily accepted, Artemisia was exceptional. She challenged conventions and defied expectations to become a successful artist and one of the greatest storytellers of her time.
Artemisia painted subjects that were traditionally the preserve of male artists and for the male gaze; transforming meek maidservants into courageous conspirators and victims into survivors.
In this first major exhibition of Artemisia’s work in the UK, see her best-known paintings including two versions of her iconic and viscerally violent ‘Judith beheading Holofernes’; as well as her self portraits, heroines from history and the Bible, and recently discovered personal letters, seen in the UK for the first time.
[National Gallery]