Publication date UK format 1/2/22 book 144 pages
I would like to thank the author, publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to pick this to read and review all my reviews are honest.
Synopsis
This second volume in the groundbreaking Illuminating Women Artists series delves into the stirring life and work of the Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi. The life of Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–after 1654) was as exceptional as her paintings. She was a child prodigy, raised without a mother by her artist father, a follower of Caravaggio. Although she learned to paint under her father, she became an artist against his wishes. Later, as she moved between Florence, Rome, Venice, Naples, and London, her artistic style evolved, but throughout her career she specialized in large-scale, powerful, nuanced portrayals of women. This book highlights Gentileschi’s enterprising and original engagement with emerging feminist notions of the value and dignity of womanhood. Sheila Barker’s cutting-edge scholarship in Artemisia Gentileschi clears a pathway for all audiences to appreciate the artist’s pictorial intelligence, as well as her achievement of a remarkably lucrative and high-profile career at a time when few women were artists. Bringing to light newly attributed paintings and archival discoveries, this is the first biography to be written by an authority on Gentileschi since 1999. The volume is beautifully illustrated, and Barker weaves this extraordinary story with in-depth discussions of key artworks, such as Susanna and the Elders (1610), Judith Beheading Holofernes (c.1619–20), and Lot and His Daughters (1640–45). Also included is the J. Paul Getty Museum’s recent acquisition, Lucretia (c.1635–45). Through such works, Barker explores the evolution of Gentileschi’s expressive goals and techniques.
My Review
This really was an amazing book. When I asked for this book I had never heard of this artist and I am sk glad I got it as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was so fascinating and the artwork was stunning. What I found so amazing about this artist was her use of colour to bring out the importance of each piece of artwork. Also how well she portrays the female form and the power held within women. This author did a fantastic job of getting across how amazing this artist was. With such knowledge and explained in a wonderful yet easy to understand manner, as I am not an artist myself.i just appreciate art and find such beauty in its many forms. I am so glad that I had found this book as I have learnt so much and have benefitted so much from reading it. By the end I was truly in awe. I really can't recommend this book enough to all artist, students and art enthusiastic out there.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for putting this wonderful book packed full of amazing information and stunning pictures, that were extremely thought provoking.
Where you can buy this book
Amazon US HC $32.54
Waterstones HC £30.00
B&N HC $40.00
Amazon UK HC £25.59
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HAPPY READING