Self Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria by Artemisia Gentileschi - c. 1615-17 - 71.4 × 69 cm National Gallery Self Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria by Artemisia Gentileschi - c. 1615-17 - 71.4 × 69 cm National Gallery

Self Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria

oil on canvas • 71.4 × 69 cm
  • Artemisia Gentileschi - July 8, 1593 - c. 1656 Artemisia Gentileschi c. 1615-17

Today it's International Women's Day! Presenting the art created by women artists, often forgotten and neglected, is one of the elements of our mission—we present their works without any special occasion. But today there is one, so why not to remind you of the great and brave Artemisia Gentileschi, the most celebrated female artist of the 17th century. In this portrait she appears in the guise of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian saint martyred in the early 4th century. She leans on a broken wheel studded with iron spikes, to which she was bound and tortured, and which became her standard attribute in art. Her right hand, delicately holding a martyr’s palm between thumb and forefinger, is brought to her chest.

The saint is portrayed as resilient, having endured torture—as indeed the artist herself did during the trial following her rape at the age of 17 by the painter Agostino Tassi. After the trial Artemisia moved from Rome to Florence, where this painting was probably made. She seems to have used her own image frequently in works she produced in Florence. A number of self-portraits are known, and others are recorded in 17th-century inventories. New to the city and keen to demonstrate her talent, she may have painted such pictures in a conscious act of self-promotion.

P.S. Learn more about Artemisia and Catherine of Alexandria, two strong female figures in history!

P.P.S. Today we have a special discount for all our products dedicated to Women Artists. Now you can get them for -25% off :)