Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi is considered one of the most important woman artists before the Modern period. Born in Rome in 1593, Artemisia was a follower of Caravaggio and became the first woman to be admitted to the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. During her stay in Florence (1614-1620), she received important commissions from Cosimo II of the Medici Dynasty and Michelangelo the Younger, nephew of the great Michelangelo. She also created a friendship with Galileo, as their exchange of letters attests.
Works by Artemisia can be admired at the Uffizi Gallery and the Palatine Gallery at Palazzo Pitti. Come join me on some fascinatiing musuem visits and learn about the life and times of Artemisia and Baroque art.
