The only other portraiture of a woman in ecstasy (especially one that seems even remotely credible) that I could think of was St. Theresa of Avila (and somehow I was able to find it even though the only name I could come up with was Hildegard de Bingen):
Which led me to think of the poetry of Veronica Franco of Venice and -- much further back -- Aspasia of Athens. Franco for certain, Aspasia possibly, were courtesans, but who found -- no, who *made* -- in their positions some measure of power and self-hood otherwise denied to the women of their respective ages.
But trying to find light in such dark, dark times as their own, as ours.
And then I want to make my usual comment about how "we should all strive to get a head."
I've seen it! That statue resides in the strangest church, usually empty, on a busy corner of Rome. To see it is to experience your own ecstasy. Bernini, of course. Who else?
I've held off on commenting on this for a few reasons... first, I think this is some of the best writing you've done yet (and I hate ball-washing) and second, Gentileschi is easily the artistic equal of Caravaggio (whose work I love, despite him being a total douchebag in life). Yeah, I know... opinions are like assholes; everyone has one.
I've pumped this piece to a lot of people; hopefully it gets the traction it deserves.
LOL! First, points for "ball washing." That's a hoot. Second, a heartfelt thanks for throwing your weight behind the article. Artemisia got the short end of the stick in a lot of ways. A more fascinating woman I dare any country to produce. She deserves way more of our attention.
Terrific piece, Stacey—thank you! I saw a fabulous Gentileschi exhibit in Rome about 5 years ago, one of those experiences that stay with you long afterward. One of my favorites of hers is another Judith and Holofernes painting, the one titled "Judith and her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes," because it shows the moments after the murder when they're figuring out what to do next, and you can see how committed to doing this deed they were, together, and the light is gorgeous. I also love her Mary Magdalene (her expression, that gorgeous yellow dress) and her Penitent Magdalene, whose pose speaks worlds.
No surprise you know who Artemisia Gentileschi is! I would love to see her work up close and personal. It's the gut reaction to seeing paintings in person that stays with you, almost like a sudden recognition of genius. She had plenty.
Thank you so much for your story about her; she would be on my list to share a meal (if that were actually a thing). After reading her story and then being so fortunate to see her paintings when we visited Florence it was one of those "ok, I can die now" moments.
P.S. I really enjoy your newsletters and am living vicariously through you!
Thank you so so much for your readership! And I agree with you--Artemisia would make a terrific dinner guest. Can you imagine getting her and Emma Goldman at the same table? Remarkable women; different world views. Definitely keep things spicy ;-)
Wow. Well, first, I knew nothing about Gentileschi. Now that I do, I am astounded that she is not mentioned as part of the pantheon of great Italian male painters. And second, I guess I shouldn't be astounded for the very reasons you cited. A nicely wrought piece of writing by you too, Stacey.
There are even some Italian art historians who insist that some of Artemisia's work is actually that of her father Orazio, despite mountains of evidence to the contrary.
Not necessarily, at least, not in all places. There are idiots whose unevolved opinions are rooted in some weird insecurity or habit of thinking who hold a patriarchal view point, but they are fewer and fewer. Well, until the world goes completely to shit, in which case, men will feel entitled - and obliged - to protect their womenfolk. Not me. I will want my daughters to come to MY rescue.
Wow, thanks so much for bringing to life a woman I'd never heard of or seen any of her paintings. I agree, her females have so much life and realness. Much more than the bland females painted by well known male artists.
The only other portraiture of a woman in ecstasy (especially one that seems even remotely credible) that I could think of was St. Theresa of Avila (and somehow I was able to find it even though the only name I could come up with was Hildegard de Bingen):
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6jHM4WH9jY/YRgd0chfP_I/AAAAAAAAKFw/nqZoWVuEchMvyAGOwSL2METax29aArMgACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/Conventbernini_st_teresa_avila-4.jpg
Which led me to think of the poetry of Veronica Franco of Venice and -- much further back -- Aspasia of Athens. Franco for certain, Aspasia possibly, were courtesans, but who found -- no, who *made* -- in their positions some measure of power and self-hood otherwise denied to the women of their respective ages.
But trying to find light in such dark, dark times as their own, as ours.
And then I want to make my usual comment about how "we should all strive to get a head."
I've seen it! That statue resides in the strangest church, usually empty, on a busy corner of Rome. To see it is to experience your own ecstasy. Bernini, of course. Who else?
And we should ALL strive to get a head!
Get A head? Or get SOME head? Asking for a friend. 🤣
😝😝😝😝
I've held off on commenting on this for a few reasons... first, I think this is some of the best writing you've done yet (and I hate ball-washing) and second, Gentileschi is easily the artistic equal of Caravaggio (whose work I love, despite him being a total douchebag in life). Yeah, I know... opinions are like assholes; everyone has one.
I've pumped this piece to a lot of people; hopefully it gets the traction it deserves.
LOL! First, points for "ball washing." That's a hoot. Second, a heartfelt thanks for throwing your weight behind the article. Artemisia got the short end of the stick in a lot of ways. A more fascinating woman I dare any country to produce. She deserves way more of our attention.
Terrific piece, Stacey—thank you! I saw a fabulous Gentileschi exhibit in Rome about 5 years ago, one of those experiences that stay with you long afterward. One of my favorites of hers is another Judith and Holofernes painting, the one titled "Judith and her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes," because it shows the moments after the murder when they're figuring out what to do next, and you can see how committed to doing this deed they were, together, and the light is gorgeous. I also love her Mary Magdalene (her expression, that gorgeous yellow dress) and her Penitent Magdalene, whose pose speaks worlds.
No surprise you know who Artemisia Gentileschi is! I would love to see her work up close and personal. It's the gut reaction to seeing paintings in person that stays with you, almost like a sudden recognition of genius. She had plenty.
Thank you so much for your story about her; she would be on my list to share a meal (if that were actually a thing). After reading her story and then being so fortunate to see her paintings when we visited Florence it was one of those "ok, I can die now" moments.
P.S. I really enjoy your newsletters and am living vicariously through you!
Thank you so so much for your readership! And I agree with you--Artemisia would make a terrific dinner guest. Can you imagine getting her and Emma Goldman at the same table? Remarkable women; different world views. Definitely keep things spicy ;-)
Wow, powerful stuff! I love your writing, thank you for sharing.
Thank you.
Wow. Well, first, I knew nothing about Gentileschi. Now that I do, I am astounded that she is not mentioned as part of the pantheon of great Italian male painters. And second, I guess I shouldn't be astounded for the very reasons you cited. A nicely wrought piece of writing by you too, Stacey.
There are even some Italian art historians who insist that some of Artemisia's work is actually that of her father Orazio, despite mountains of evidence to the contrary.
The patriarchy is alive and well, I'm afraid.
Not necessarily, at least, not in all places. There are idiots whose unevolved opinions are rooted in some weird insecurity or habit of thinking who hold a patriarchal view point, but they are fewer and fewer. Well, until the world goes completely to shit, in which case, men will feel entitled - and obliged - to protect their womenfolk. Not me. I will want my daughters to come to MY rescue.
Anyone who wants to learn more please do yourself a huge favor and read "The Passion of Artemisia" by Susan Vreeland.
I am TOTALLY going to do that. I just finished BLOOD, WATER, PAINT, and it was life-changing.
Wow, thanks so much for bringing to life a woman I'd never heard of or seen any of her paintings. I agree, her females have so much life and realness. Much more than the bland females painted by well known male artists.
YES. "Bland" is the right word. You nailed it.