Rediscovered Artemisia Gentileschi painting goes on display in Scotland for the first time

A rare surviving painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, the greatest female artist of her generation, is on display for visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

Article Source: Royal Collection Trust
Last Updated: 10 December 2024 11:05

The painting was recently rediscovered in the Royal Collection following a misattribution at least two centuries ago, and, following extensive conservation work, first went on display for visitors to Windsor Castle in 2023.

The rediscovered painting, Susanna and the Elders, forms a significant addition to Artemisia’s extant body of work and sheds fresh light on her creative process and her time in Great Britain in the late 1630s as she worked alongside her father Orazio Gentileschi at the court of Charles I and Henrietta Maria.

Also on show will be Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting (‘La Pittura’), considered one of Artemisia’s greatest works. The two paintings form a new temporary display in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, taking their place in the ornate baroque interiors of the Palace.

Emma Stead, Curator at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, said: ‘Artemisia Gentileschi is one of the finest artists of the Italian Baroque period, achieving great success during her own lifetime when few women artists were formally recognised. She is celebrated today for her skilful technique along with an ability to empathise with and empower the female protagonists of her paintings, in a way that many of her male contemporaries' works typically did not.

‘It’s quite extraordinary that we can follow the history of a painting by Artemisia through the centuries, from its initial creation and display at Whitehall Palace in the 1630s, right through to its recent rediscovery by the Royal Collection Trust paintings team, and Susanna and the Elders adds much to our knowledge of her artistic practice. We are delighted to have it on display for the first time in Scotland for visitors to see.’

The rediscovery resulted from work by Royal Collection Trust curators, notably former staff member and art historian Dr Niko Munz, to trace the paintings sold off and scattered across Europe after Charles I’s execution. Seven paintings by Artemisia were recorded in Charles I’s inventories but only the Self-Portrait was thought to survive today, with the others believed lost. However, research allowed curators to match the description of Susanna and the Elders to a painting that had been in store at Hampton Court Palace for over 100 years, attributed to ‘French School’ and in very poor condition. A ‘CR’ (‘Carolus Rex’) brand was subsequently found on the back of the canvas during conservation treatment, confirming that the painting was once in Charles I’s collection.

Artemisia Gentileschi gained fame across Europe in the 17th century, after training with her father in Rome and before working in Florence, Naples, Venice and London for aristocratic and royal patrons. Her work fell out of favour in the 18th and 19th centuries, but in the last 50 years she has become known for her powerful and empathetic depictions of women from history.

The rediscovered painting depicts the Biblical story of Susanna, who is surprised by two men while bathing in her garden. When she refuses their advances, she is faced with a false accusation of infidelity, punishable by death, before she is proven innocent. While male artists of the period often presented an idealised or sexualised view of the scene, Artemisia gives great emphasis to Susanna’s vulnerability and discomfort as she twists her body away from the lecherous men. It is a story that Artemisia returned to many times over her 40-year career; at least six compositions of the subject by the artist are known today. The story may have held particular resonance given her own experience of sexual assault, having been raped at age 17 by an artist in her father’s workshop and subjected to gruelling questioning and torture at his trial.

The painting’s history can be traced in a remarkably unbroken line, with records found in every century since its creation. It was most likely commissioned by Henrietta Maria, probably around 1638–9 while her apartments were being redecorated for a royal birth. An inventory from 1639 shows that the painting originally hung above a fireplace in the Queen’s Withdrawing Chamber at Whitehall Palace – a relatively private room used by Henrietta Maria for receiving small numbers of officials, eating and relaxing.

The painting was returned after the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 and is thought to have hung above a fireplace at Somerset House, home to queens and consorts including Catherine of Braganza and Queen Anne. In the 18th century, as Artemisia’s reputation waned, the painting appears to have lost its attribution. It was moved to Kensington Palace, where it is depicted in a watercolour of the Queen’s Bedchamber published in 1819 leaning against a wall, suggesting it was considered the work of a minor or unknown artist and not worthy of hanging. It was later transferred to Hampton Court Palace, where at some point it lost its frame, and in 1862 it was described as ‘in a bad state’ and sent for conservation, at which point additional layers of varnish and overpaint were likely applied.

Following its rediscovery, the painting underwent significant treatment by Royal Collection Trust conservators. Work included the painstaking removal of centuries of surface dirt, discoloured varnish and non-original paint layers to reveal the original composition; removing canvas strips that were added to enlarge the painting sometime after its creation; relining the canvas; retouching old damages; and commissioning a new frame.

Analysis of the painting during conservation confirmed the reattribution and gave an insight into Artemisia’s working practices. She is thought to have travelled with a stock of tracings or drawings that she used to create new compositions, and conservators found that at least four parts of the painting were also used in previous works, including the Elders’ heads and Susanna’s face. Artemisia must have considered this Susanna particularly accomplished, as she reused elements of the figure in at least three versions of her later painting Bathsheba. X-radiography (used to analyse aspects of a work not visible to the naked eye) and infrared reflectography (used to make underdrawing visible) have also revealed changes that Artemisia made to the composition, uncovering a large fountain that she subsequently painted out with trees.

Read more about the conservation work and hear from Anna Reynolds, Surveyor of The King’s Pictures, and Adelaide Izat, Paintings Conservator, in a video here, and take a closer look at Artemisia’s life and art here.

Photographer: Jane Massey

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

November and December at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Christmas to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!

Edinburgh Small Businesses shine as part of small business roadshow

Independent businesses in Edinburgh celebrated as part of Small Business Saturday’s Tour highlighting the nation’s favourite businesses

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh open in Edinburgh this month

Two immersive experiences which bring the work of a pair of iconic artists to life in mesmerising and moving fashion are set to open in Edinburgh this month.

The many worlds of Stephen King return to Vue this autumn

As the The Long Walk wraps up in cinemas, fans of Stephen King can look forward to seven classic re-releases heading to the big screen this autumn.

First ever Letters Live cinema events comes to the Big Screen in Edinburgh this week

A very special cinema event is coming to Edinburgh this week, comprising a preview of a brand-new film, a world-renowned literary event and an appearance from a BAFTA-winning actor.

Flight Club Edinburgh launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch

Flight Club Edinburgh kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.

Deer Park unwraps a festive calendar of fun for December

Deer Park Golf & Country Club is set to bring a touch of Christmas magic this December, with a month-long programme of festive events for families, friends and colleagues to enjoy.

Vue Ocean Terminal set to welcome luxurious new seating option

Film fans in Edinburgh will soon be able to enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue’s signature Ultra Lux seat at its Ocean Terminal venue.

Decade of teaching Scotland to swim capped In Edinburgh

A PROGRAMME that has created a legacy of confident swimmers across Scotland has reached a major milestone, celebrating ten years of transforming lives through the power of swimming.

Call for homeowners in Edinburgh and Lothians to check eligibility for Energy Saving Home Improvements

With energy bills remaining high and winter approaching, thousands of families in Edinburgh and the Lothians could be missing out on free home energy improvements worth £10,000 or more.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

RZSS continues call for national ban on public sale of fireworks

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is renewing its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, one year after the tragic death of baby red panda Roxie at Edinburgh Zoo.

Edinburgh to welcome globally renowned DJs to perform at The Johnnie Walker Experience

FREE Tickets for ‘Keep Walking Live with NTS Radio, presented by The Johnnie Walker Experience’ are available now on Resident Advisor.

Magical Winter Village to light up Fort Kinnaird for the first time this Christmas

This Christmas, Fort Kinnaird will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with seasonal street food, artisan gifts, fairground rides and spectacular circus shows for all to enjoy.

First Footin Trail returns to Kick Start

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers today announce the first events at this year’s First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day.

Edinburgh International Book Festival makes 60 new flagship events available worldwide

Edinburgh International Book Festival is releasing 60 more events from its August 2025 programme for global audiences this week on a Donate What You Can basis.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

Make a difference to East Lothian during Trustees Week

Volunteer Centre East Lothian urges people to lend their support to local charities by becoming a trustee.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Customers queue for 18 hours at Popeyes Fort Kinnaird

Today, Popeyes® UK, home of the famous Louisiana Chicken, opened its Fort Kinnaird restaurant in Newcraighall, with over 100 people in the queue for launch day.

Midlothian primary school set to celebrate centenary with a week of music and memories

Exactly 100 years since Newtongrange Primary School first opened its doors, teachers and pupils are set to celebrate its centenary in style.

National Roadshow to Shine a Spotlight on Edinburgh Small Businesses

Edinburgh’s small businesses are set to take centre stage this week as the Small Business Saturday nationwide roadshow rolls into town on Wednesday, 5th November.

St Andrews Day ticket offer for Castle of Light

Edinburgh Castle ignites excitement for Castle of Light: Fire and Ice with special St Andrew’s Day ticket offer.

Shuttle Bus Route Launched at Lost Shore Surf Resort

Lost Shore Surf Resort is teaming up with Scottish sustainable travel pioneer Ember to launch a new all-electric shuttle bus service from Edinburgh City Centre to the resort.

Michelin success for top new restaurant of the year in Edinburgh

Barry Fish, one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated new restaurants of 2025, has earned its place in the prestigious Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, just 8 months after its launch.

Deer Park Golf and Country Club Tees Up Championship Quality Golf All Year Round

Deer Park is offering golfers the chance to enjoy superb playing conditions 365 days a year, ensuring the course remains in peak form, whatever the weather.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Rediscovered Artemisia Gentileschi painting goes on display in Scotland for the first time

A rare surviving painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, the greatest female artist of her generation, is on display for visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings