First published 2004
Artemisia Gentileschi stands before her easel in Renaissance Italy, brush in hand, determined to prove herself as a painter. The Medicis become her patrons and Galileo her friend, but the artistic establishment refuses to accept a woman among their ranks. Her father's colleague rapes her, leading to a brutal trial where the Inquisition tortures her to verify her testimony. Still she paints, creating works of striking originality that challenge the male-dominated art world. Men she trusts betray her repeatedly, yet she continues to live on her own terms. Artemisia pays dearly for her independence and ambition, but she never stops fighting for the recognition her talent deserves. Her story reveals the cost of being a woman who dares to claim her place in a world designed to exclude her.
Genres: art, historical-fiction, biographical-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: gender-identity, gender-roles, strong-female-lead
Setting: Italy, Renaissance
Period: Renaissance
Paperback · FERYANE
Content warnings: abuse, rape, torture