Artemisia played with her image. Her self-portraits earned Grand Duke Cosimo II de’ Medici’s trust. He soon commissioned large works from her. These works are now lost. Her talent as a portraitist was praised by her peers. It is the exhibition’s focus. The show features many portraits. Some were recently found.

She drew inspiration from biblical and literary themes. She showed female and heroic subjects with great empathy. Sometimes she gave them seductive power. She knew this well. At the time, female nudes by a woman were rare. Art lovers highly prized them.

In Florence, Artemisia gained freedom and fame. She grew her skills and knowledge. She built an international patron network. She painted Casa Buonarroti’s ceiling with others. The house honors Michelangelo’s memory. Two panels from this work are shown in the exhibit.