Artemisia Gentileschi’s 427th Birthday

Today’s Doodle celebrates groundbreaking Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi on her 427th birthday. Gentileschi is best known for her depictions of powerful heroines, many of which seem to reflect the prejudice and hardship she faced in her own life. Today she is considered one of the greatest female artists of the Baroque period.

Artemisia Gentileschi was born in Rome in present-day Italy on this day in 1593. Her father was a painter and trained young Gentileschi in the dramatic style developed by the master Caravaggio. At just 17, Gentileschi produced one of her most famous works, “Susanna and the Elders” (1610), which for many years was incorrectly credited to her father.

After Gentileschi fell victim to a tragic crime in her teen years, her father brought her art teacher to trial, and though he was found guilty, Gentileschi’s reputation was unjustly tarnished in the process. Gentileschi rose above these circumstances to achieve enormous success in a field typically reserved for men.

Among her many accomplishments, in 1616, she became the first woman accepted to the esteemed Accademia del Disegno (Academy of Design) in Florence. She received patronage from the famous Medici family and even struck up a friendship with the legendary scientist Galileo.

Following centuries of relative obscurity, Gentileschi’s paintings are today celebrated around the world, and an ornate plate rests in her honor as part of Judy Chicago’s iconic work “The Dinner Party” (1979).

Buon compleanno, Artemisia Gentileschi!

Doodler Q&A with Helene Leroux

Today’s Doodle art was created by Doodler Helene Leroux.
Below, she shares some thoughts on the making of the Doodle:
 

 Q: What was your creative approach for this Doodle? Why did you choose this approach?

A: My approach for the Doodle was to really study the painting technique of Artemisia. I unfortunately did not use real oil painting for the final render, but I’ve always loved the chiaroscuro approach to painting, and thought it was important to render a portrait of Artemisia referencing her painting style directly in the subject.
 

 Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?

A: Artemisia’s story growing up is pretty dark and the strength and fight she has shown through her art in her life is very empowering and inspirational, especially at a time when it was hard for female artists to be known. It’s been fascinating learning more about her life and creative approach.   
 

 Q: What do you hope people will take away from this Doodle?

A I hope people can also feel inspired; it shows once again how art is a powerful tool to express yourself and reflect the society we live in.

Early concepts and sketches of the Doodle