Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1656) began to paint professionally in her father’s workshop when she was only 17, going on to become a very talented Italian Baroque painter. Unfortunately, as she was a woman it took time for her to be accepted into the artistic world. But her work was incredible! Over her life she was a patron of the famed Medici family, traveled around Europe, and focussed her work on classical, Biblical, and mythological women.
“Saint Cecilia as a Lute Player* was painted by Gentileschi around 1620. She typically drew historical or legendary female subjects, most of which–like this work–were painted flaws and all. In this, her portraiture resembles Caravaggio, who she admired. This painting is a lovely representation of a woman in mid-song.