A rediscovered masterpiece by Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–ca. 1656) has been unveiled at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. The painting, titled Penitent Mary Magdalene (ca. 1625–26), went on display on Friday, marking its first public appearance since the 17th century.
Penitent Mary Magdalene depicts the Biblical figure in a moment of repentance, surrounded by darkness, with her eyes closed as she rests her head on her hand. The addition of this Baroque work to the Kimbell’s collection fulfills a long-held desire of the museum to acquire a piece by Gentileschi, a prominent Italian Baroque artist, as noted by museum director Eric Lee.
Gentileschi, a student of Caravaggio and daughter of Mannerist painter Orazio Gentileschi, faced significant personal and professional challenges. At 17, she was raped by her teacher, Agostino Tassi, and endured torture during the court proceedings to substantiate her claims. Despite these adversities, Gentileschi achieved notable success in a male-dominated field, earning patronage from influential figures such as Cosimo II de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and King Charles I of England.
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