An Italian painter of the Baroque period. In a time where women were usually not allowed to work, especially in the field of art, Gentileschi stood out. She began working as a professional artist at the age of only 15. She is recognized for her natural depictions of women and scenes of drama. She was also the first woman to be inducted to the Italian Academy, the highest honour for a painter at that time.

Gentileschi, Self Portrait as the Allegory of Painting, c. 1638

This painting was purchased by King Charles I, which further emphasizes her prominence. It is both highly impressive and inspiring that a woman of that era was able to receive such acclaim and notoriety for her skills.

Gentileschi, Susanna and the Elders, c. 1610

An example of a Bible story painting, which was a common subject for Gentileschi’s works. Here Gentileschi really captures an uncomfortable mood, as the elders bother her.

Caravaggio, Judith Beheading Holofernes, c. 1598-99
Gentileschi, Judith Beheading Holofernes, c. 1620

The two paintings above depict the Bible story of Judith beheading Holofernes to save the Jewish people. In most depictions, including Caravaggio’s above, Judith is depicted as weak and delicate, despite the gruesome act she is committing. Gentileschi, on the other hand, depicts Judith as a badass, as she really gets in there and cuts his head off.

When she was a young woman, she was raped by one of her father’s colleagues. Her father had a court case against him, in which Gentileschi testified, and they won. For a long time, unfortunately, historians would focus on her rape, rather than her artistic achievements. Now, however, she is finally being recognized as one of the most progressive and accomplished artists of her time.