As more and more reports from around the world link the pandemic to increased violence against women, FKA Twiggs’ short film for Google Arts and Culture on the 17th century Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi’s Judith and Holofernes is a timely reminder of how someone working centuries ago can speak to us very directly today. Artemisia, one of few women from that time who managed to pursue a career as a painter, is now acknowledged as one of the finest painters of all time. Often using herself as a model, she is best known for her psychologically-insightful portrayals of women struggling against adversity. Twiggs has spoken out recently about an abusive relationship. Artemisia herself was raped as a young woman. Judith and Holofernes - FKA Twiggs’ favourite work by the artist - tells the story of a Jewish widow who gets the Assyrian general Holofernes drunk and then beheads him in his tent to save her people from captivity. Click here for a series of online exhibits by Google Arts and Culture and the National Gallery in London about Artemisia and her depictions of real and mythical women. Use our Forum to post your favourite work by Artemisia.
Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Beheading Holofernes, 1611-1612, Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte, Naples.