I have chosen Figure 2–8 on page 33; Self-portrait as the Allegory of Painting by

Artemisia Gentileschi. The painting is of the painter. It is a self-portrait. But it is a self-

portrait of her painting the self-portrait, making it interactive with the viewer. I chose this
painting based on what the textbook said about her. I find it very interesting to look at in
addition to the story behind it. The painting is telling a story, making a statement. The
painting is of an action, of a verb. The textbook mentioned her beauty but I did not
initially see her beauty. I saw her as a plain figure but with determination and intention. I
also enjoy the colors in the painting the vibrant green in contrast with the darker colors of
the background, and her body and her skin highlighted, showcasing her and her action of
painting. The source of light seems to be that which she is painting, however improbable.
Given the glow on her arm and face, it appears to me that she could be painting on a glass
window, with light pouring through. It was painted in 1638-1639, but I feel like it
could’ve been painted within the last 100 years, it still feels relevant today. Not knowing
anything about the painting I would’ve thought that it was pleasant to look at, but
knowing about the artist and her story with the painting makes it all the more interesting
to me. Her clothes are not plain but they are also not stuffy or pompous. Her necklace is
symbolic as well. You can see the paintbrush in her raised hand and a paint palette in the
other hand. As the observer, even though you cannot see her canvas or easel you can tell
that if you walked into the room, you would see her just like that in the middle of her
work. It is suggested that she used two or more mirrors to achieve the painting, which
shows how dedicated and talented the artist was. And if she did not use mirrors, her
short-term memory was extraordinary. This painting was done for the king of England,
and it shows why. Her dedication to craftsmanship is evident. I think it’s interesting, the
Pittura, a woman painter. According to the textbook, it was uncommon for a woman to be
a professional royal painter at the time. I love a good role model; breaking glass ceilings
and breaking out of molds. At first glance, it might seem that the painting is about
paintings itself. But given some background information, I think it’s a triumphant victory
of defiance of art and the celebration of that defiance. It is about a woman who is a
painter in the process of painting, but it’s more than that, it’s about Artemisia painting her
portrait. The textbook talks about her self-portrait and the weight of it being able to
convey the power of her as a woman painter. Artemisia showcasing the female deity
through her self-portrait allegory.