For the first time in France, visitors to the Musée Maillol can be delighted by the celebrated female painter Artemisia Gentileschi. This remarkable figure was an exception of her time: born in Italy in 1593, Gentileschi managed to break gender barriers in order to create beautiful works of art.
Searching for her own glory and liberty, Artemisia Gentileschi painted for princes and cardinals. She earned her way in life by sharing her artistic visions, something unheard of for women at the time. She even became one of the most famous painters of her era, garnering recognition from peers and nobles. Although she was somewhat forgotten aften her death, she was rediscovered centuries later, and now guests staying at the Hotel Louvre Marsollier can see her luminous works for themselves.
Artemisia Gentileschi’s paintings are filled with beauty and light. They present the medieval Italian experience from her unique female point of view. This exhibition at the Musée Maillol — entitled “Artemisia: The Power, Glory and Passions of a Female Painter” — presents graceful women posing with dignity, personal scenes in private chambers and powerful renderings of symbolic females. The classic painting techniques of the Middle Ages are apparent, and Gentileschi adds a warm luminosity to her works that allow them to stand out. These paintings reveal a world that was new to the Italian societies of the Middle Ages, and this exhibition makes for an exciting discovery that visitors of the Musée Maillol can explore.
Those who want to explore this exhibition should not miss their chance — “Artemisia: The Power, Glory and Passions of a Female Painter” is showing at the Musée Maillol until July 15, 2012.
Musée Maillol
61 Rue de Grenelle, 75007
Open every day from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: €11