![Portrait of the Artist Portrait of the Artist](https://cmsadmin.rct.uk/sites/default/files/lead_image_half_height/PoA%20half%20height.png)
Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting (La Pittura)
c.1638-9RCIN 405551
Artemisia Gentileschi is shown conceiving the idea for a painting – her brush poised ready to realise her vision on the empty canvas. Dressed in a dirtied apron and leaning on a grinding stone, she strains to observe her subject, sleeves pushed up to reveal muscular forearms. The gold chain around her neck – on which hangs a mask symbolising imitation – as well as her wild hair and iridescent dress, all correspond with the description of 'Pittura', the female personification of Painting. In conflating her own likeness with 'Pittura', Gentileschi creates a truly original image – and one unavailable to her male contemporaries.
No. 101