Artemisia Gentileschi in Rome: Where to Find Her (With Rome Guided Tours by Locals)

In the male-dominated world of Baroque painting, Artemisia Gentileschi carved her name with bold brushstrokes, dramatic light, and fierce female heroines. Trained in Rome and shaped by both personal trauma and artistic brilliance, Artemisia’s legacy lives on in a few precious Roman sites—waiting to be rediscovered.

Whether you’re an art lover, a feminist history buff, or simply curious about Rome beyond the usual highlights, exploring Artemisia’s world with a Rome guided tour led by passionate locals is an unforgettable way to experience the city.

Who Was Artemisia Gentileschi?

Born in Rome in 1593, Artemisia was the daughter of painter Orazio Gentileschi and a contemporary of Caravaggio. Her life was marked by resilience: after surviving a traumatic assault, she defied societal norms to become the first woman admitted to Florence’s Academy of the Arts of Drawing.

Her Roman years were foundational—and Rome is where her story begins.

Where to Find Artemisia in Rome

While her paintings are scattered across Europe, a few key works remain in the Eternal City:

1. Palazzo Spada (Galleria Spada)

• Hidden in plain sight near Campo de’ Fiori, this lesser-known museum houses her “Virgin and Child”, a tender, quietly powerful piece.
• A local guide can help you understand how Artemisia used light and gesture to humanize the sacred.

2. Palazzo Corsini (Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica)

• Here, you may encounter her “Saint Cecilia”—another example of her signature blend of softness and strength.
• The museum is also rich in context, featuring works by her father and her rivals, allowing for a richer reading of her influence.

3. Chiesa di San Giovanni dei Fiorentini

• Artemisia’s father worked on this church, and while her own work is no longer there, a guided visit can immerse you in the artistic atmosphere she grew up in.

Why Choose Rome Guided Tours?

Artemisia’s work isn’t always in the spotlight—and many of her Roman connections are hidden in churches or small museums. A Rome guided tour led by a local art historian can help you:

• Uncover overlooked masterpieces
• Understand her story in context
• Visit locations tied to her personal life and professional rise

Experience Rome Through Artemisia’s Eyes

To walk through Rome with Artemisia’s story in mind is to see the city in a new light—raw, resilient, and rich with meaning. Whether you’re tracing her brushstrokes or her footsteps, a private guided tour is the most rewarding way to connect with her legacy.

GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU LOCAL ROME EXPERTS FOR ROME GUIDED TOURS

Keep reading:

• In the footsteps of Raphael with Rome Private Tours
• Rome private tours, the Master of Baroque Art Caravaggio
• Discover Baroque Rome: Private Tours of Bernini and Borromini’s Masterpieces