Artemisia Gentileschi's Heroines
Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1654), a 17th century Italian painter, is known for her paintings of virtuous, great, and heroic women from the Bible and from history. The daughter of another painter, Orazio Gentileschi, Artemisia started out in her father's workshop learning the techniques and working methods of Caravaggio. As one of the only successful female artists of her time, Artemisia provides a new perspective to the stories of these heroines, who had been painted by male artists before and after Artemisia. Two of these works are Judith Slaying Holofernes and Esther Before Ahasuerus.
Judith Slaying Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi
In Judith Slaying Holofernes, one of Gentileschi's most famous paintings, Artemisia shows a strong and active woman beheading the Assyrian General Holofernes in an attempt to save her city. According to the book of Judith, the King of Nineveh sent General Holofernes to attack and subdue the Jews. Overwhelmed by the Assyrian forces, the Jews begin to consider surrender. Judith, the heroine of the story, decides to take matters into her own hands. Judith sneaks into the Assyrian camp to seduce Holofernes. Encouraging him to consume more and more alcohol, Judith waits until Holofernes is drunk and then beheads him. Judith Slaying Holofernes shows Judith, with the help of her maidservant, in the act of beheading Holofernes. In this painting, Artemisia shows a woman in complete control over her situation, taking the initiative to save her people. Judith's expression is calm and determined, and the muscles in her arm are visible and flexed, indicating her strength. After Judith beheads Holofernes, she shows the severed head to her people, inspiring confidence in them and encouraging them to strike back against the Assyrians.
This gory painting inspired mixed reception. In the 1780s, it was featured in the Royal Gallery, but it was placed in a particularly dark corner. Part of this decision had to do with the fact that the painting itself was gruesome and violent. In addition to this, the fact that such a disturbing painting could be created by a woman unsettled many art critics and visitors to the Gallery.
Esther Before Ahasuerus
Esther Before Ahasuerus portrays the Biblical story of the heroine, Queen Esther, and her husband, the Persian King Ahasuerus. According to the story, the King's prime minister, Hamam, had hatched a plot to kill all the Persians Jews. A Jew herself, Esther fasted for three days on behalf of her people before coming before King Ahasuerus to plead with him in person. By coming before the King without invitation, a crime punishable by death, Esther risks her marriage and her life. Weak from her fast and afraid for her life, Esther faints as she enters the throne room. As the story goes, King Ahasuerus becomes so concerned and moved by Esther's actions that instead of condemning her to die, he rushes forward to comfort Esther and decides to spare the Jews.
Although Esther is fainting, an action traditionally described as overly feminine or emotional, the usual contrast with a completely rational man does not play out in Artemisia's painting. In this painting, Artemisia introduces a new perspective that recognizes Esther's actions not as weak and overly emotional, but rather strong and courageous.
Judith and Her Maidservant
Susanna and the Elders
Jael and Sisera