Activities

“I will show your Illustrious Lordship what a woman can do.”

Daughter, wife, mother, lover, painter: Artemesia Gentileschi challenged conventions to become a famous artist and one of the greatest storytellers of her time. In 17th-century Europe, female artists were not easily accepted, but Artemesia was exceptional, painting subjects that were traditionally the preserve of male artists and for the male gaze, transforming meek maidservants into courageous conspirators and victims into survivors.

The first major exhibition of Artemesia’s work in the UK will now be at the National Gallery from 3 October 2020 – 24 January 2021.  In it, her best-known paintings will be shown as well as self-portraits and recently discovered personal letters, seen in the UK for the first time.

Chantal Brotherton-Ratcliffe will follow Artemesia’s footsteps through Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples and London, and help you see the world through her eyes.