Only days before the second lockdown Hazel & Sue went to London, primarily to visit the Artemisia Gentileschi exhibition at the National Gallery.

As the day was dry and bright we decided to walk into St James’ Park, along Birdcage Walk and down Whitehall to Trafalgar Square. As these streets were almost deserted of visitors we were able to enjoy the scenery of our capital. It was a joy to see the architecture and art, both classical and modern in Trafalgar Square.

Our visit to the National Gallery had been booked some weeks previously, so it was with some considerable anticipation that we entered the gallery to see the work of a 17th century Italian female painter. For many years her work has been unrecognised and mis-attributed, but our National Gallery acquired a painting of hers in 2018 and that had prompted this show with other examples of her work coming in from other leading collections worldwide.

The images displayed may certainly have challenged the idea of suitable topics for a woman but in the painting tradition of the time many pictures are depicting scenes from the bible. Several pictures were indeed graphic in their portrayal of the chosen scene but at the same time Artemisia’s skill was highlighted with her deft touch for hair, skin and textiles.

My personal favourite was her self portrait as an allegory of painting. By now middle aged, and a painter of great experience, she felt able to use an unusual perspective with lighter freer brush strokes.

Artemisia endured much throughout her life,was taught to paint in her fathers studio but taught herself to read and write.

On many occasions she had to stand firm as a woman painter. She was not shy to write to the potential patrons of the day and seek commissions promising that she could “show what a woman can do.”