How Artemisia Gentileschi Shaped Her Image by Painting Herself into Art History

Long before she became a feminist icon, Artemisia Gentileschi shaped her image by painting herself into art history.

Created in Florence when she was around 20 years of age, ‘Self-Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria’ captures Artemisia at a turning point, marked by newfound personal and professional independence. Here, she casts herself as Saint Catherine, the intellectual martyr, crowned and resolute, her broken wheel a symbol of both suffering and resilience.

This intimate painting offers a glimpse of an artist consciously shaping her own identity, a calculated act of self-promotion that reveals Artemisia as a savvy businesswoman and emerging talent.