I have had Artemisia Gentileschi on the brain as of late. One of the most talented and powerful figures in all of art history, she feels kind of timeless to me despite having lived more than four centuries ago. I think she’s a lot like Frida Kahlo in that way, or any other (art) historical figure who overcame the greatest of odds to live creatively and authentically.
And speaking of authenticity, one of Artemisia’s most astonishing paintings has been restored to its original, most authentic state… sort of.
Painted at the age of 22 and, in theory, with herself as the model, Artemisia’s Allegory of Inclination (1618) has been digitally restored and officially uncensored. While the actual artwork itself cannot be returned to its original state due to certain irreversible damage if the paint is removed, viewers can now see the painting as Artemisia intended via a digital reconstruction.
What strikes me about this painting is that Artemisia was commissioned to paint the Allegory of Inclination by Michelangelo the Younger, the great-nephew of the Michelangelo, as a way of celebrating his uncle’s devotion and contributions to art. Not only do we see the figure holding a compass and guided by the North Star, but the figure is nude – vulnerable, exposed and searching. To me, that really sums up what it means to be a creative individual, even in the 21st century. But it is also about being utterly and unquestionably human.
Authenticity in art is one thing, but living an authentic life, especially now with the Internet and social media and the immense amount of information pummeling us nonstop, is a whole other endeavor. It takes honest self-reflection and an immense amount of courage. And Artemisia was courageous! She overcame sexual assault and the public humiliation of a trial that was more about shaming her than prosecuting her rapist. She became a sought-after and celebrated artist in her own lifetime at a time when it was dangerous and socially unacceptable for women to leave their homes unaccompanied by men. Artemisia traveled and received commissions. She was the first woman accepted to the Academy in Florence and had the Medicis as patrons. She even hung out with Galileo!
Artemisia truly inspires me and seeing this painting as she originally intended it is an incredible tribute to her indomitable spirit. May we all have the courage and determination of Artemisia Gentileschi, to follow our own North Star and live an authentic, creative life.
For more info on the restoration of this phenomenal painting, please visit the following links…
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/allegory-of-inclination-nude-restoration-1.6652266
The Wandering Art Historian 
So interesting, thank you!
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My pleasure! Thanks for reading, Sandy!
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Can we believe digital art is true to artist’s original painting? I do not know, but the digitally restored Artemisia painting is beautiful. The compass and north star are for each viewer to ponder his own direction! Thanks for your wonderful info 21st Century!
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Historians & scientists worked on the digital restoration for about 2 years, I believe, studying all the layers of paint. I think they are pretty close to the original. 🙂
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