Your Chance to See the Artemisia Exhibition

Letizia says: “Although this film cannot replace the experience of seeing the exhibition in person at the National Gallery, it will allow us to share Artemisia’s story and paintings with as many people as possible, particularly those who cannot make it to Trafalgar Square right now.”

The exhibition was due to open to the public in the spring, but has been hit by lockdown closures. Letizia is keen for visitors to learn about Gentileschi’s “amazing story” and “witness the violence and drama of her best-known paintings”.

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.

Follow in Artemisia’s footsteps from Rome to Florence, Venice, Naples and London. Hear her voice from her letters, and see the world through her eyes.

You can watch 'Artemisia' the 30-minute curator-led exhibition film on demand for £8 or it is free for National Gallery members.  For more information, click here.