Artemisia Gentileschi painted five separate versions of the biblical story of Judith and Holofernes.Why did she focus on this story instead of the traditional subject of the Annunciation?
A) She preferred stories in which women were heroines and strong figures.
B) She was trying to paint strong women to reflect her powerful position in the political realm.
C) She was restricted by subject matter because of her education.
D) Her example of the Annunciation was originally rejected by the Academy of Design.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Artemisia Gentileschi was known for her portrayal of strong and heroic women in her art. The story of Judith and Holofernes features a female protagonist who saves her city from the enemy, making it a perfect fit for Gentileschi's artistic vision. Additionally, the Annunciation was a popular subject in religious art at the time, and Gentileschi may have wanted to stand out by painting something different.

Artemisia Gentileschi Painted Five Separate Versions of the Biblical Story