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

Edinburgh and the Lothians Best takes home Prestigious Prizes at the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards

Top butchers and bakeries in Edinburgh and the Lothians’ have claimed a variety of much sought-after prizes at the prestigious 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces industry partnership with UNIFIED

Edinburgh International Film Festival and newly formed production outfit UNIFIED have today announced they are partnering on a special strand of events as part of the industry programme.

Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons

Scottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.

Guide Dogs go for a walk on the wild side at Edinburgh Zoo

Two puppies in training to become guide dogs enjoyed a visit to Edinburgh Zoo as part of a new collaboration between Guide Dogs and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

Edinburgh International Festival Celebrates Record Breaking Youth Participation with 25 Years of Art of Listening Workshops

This year the Edinburgh International Festival’s flagship workshop Art of Listening celebrates 25 years of bringing live classical music to schoolchildren across Edinburgh.

New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers

A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.

Rooftop vibes return to Edinburgh city centre

Skyline Sips, Edinburgh’s most exciting rooftop venue, is back for its third year at Level 5, St James Quarter.

A Landmark Year for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo gives audiences an exclusive look behind the drawbridge of its landmark 75th Anniversary Show, The Heroes Who Made Us.

David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month

Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.

May and June at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Music to Father's Day, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in May and June!

Here & Now showcase returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Here & Now returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe ith a brilliant programme of the best dance, installation, integrated performance, movement and theatre being created in England right now.

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 to open with acclaimed SORRY, BABY by Eva Victor

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced Eva Victor’s acclaimed comedy-drama SORRY, BABY will open the Festival in August.

The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors

2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.

Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical

Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.

Cold Town House in Edinburgh partners with Aperol to transform iconic rooftop bar

Cold Town House in the Grassmarket has teamed up with Italy’s iconic orange bittersweet aperitif, Aperol, to add some spritz to its city centre location from May until September.

Major new displays at National Galleries Scotland: Modern One this summer

Discover some of the biggest names in modern and contemporary art at Modern One this Summer with a series of free ARTIST ROOMS displays in Edinburgh from 12 July 2025.

Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day

For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.

Giant Lanterns are back with a splash at Edinburgh Zoo!

For the first time in six years, Edinburgh Zoo is bringing its Giant Lanterns event back with a splash this winter.

Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates

Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.

Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience

This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.

Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes

Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.

Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland

The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.

Gilded Balloon announce 40th anniversary programming

One of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s most iconic venues, Gilded Balloon, has announced a huge roster of legendary names to celebrate its 40th anniversary this August.

Conifox Champions Allergy Inclusion for Families

Allergy Awareness in Action as Conifox Adventure Park sets a new standard for safe family days out.

Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open

Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!

Skerryvore castle concert capacity grows due to global demand

A special one-off event celebrating the 20th anniversary of beloved Scottish band Skerryvore is getting even bigger, organisers have announced.

Edinburgh International Book Festival announces expanded The Front List series for 2025

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is delighted to announce the second year of The Front List, in partnership with Underbelly.

Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT

Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.

Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15

To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.

This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!

Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!

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