Conservator Adelaide Izat working on Susanna and the Elders.
It all goes back to the whims of history.
Gentileschi rose to prominence in the 17th century, when very few women were painters.
Conservator Adelaide Izat working on “Susanna and the Elders.” (Photo: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023)
In her compositions, women were not passive victims, but active participants in the action.
While there, Queen Henrietta Maria took a liking to her work and commissioned a painting from her.
Susanna and the Elders prior to conservation (left) and using infrared reflectography (right).
“Susanna and the Elders” prior to conservation (left) and using infrared reflectography (right). (Photos: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023)
In fact, at that point, feels like Gentileschi’s name was no longer attached to the work.
It then lost its frame and was shipped off to storage for being in poor condition.
At this point, it was up to conservators to bring the painting back to life.
Artemisia Gentileschi, “Susanna and the Elders,” c.1638–9. (Photo: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023)
And it certainly makes you wonder what other treasures could be hiding away in royal storage.
A look at the display is included on a visit to Windsor Castle until April 29, 2024.
The Royal Collection Trust has restored an Artemisia Gentileschi painting that was in storage for 100 years.
Artemisia Gentileschi, “Self-portrait as the Allegory of Painting,” c.1638–39. (Photo: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023)
Artemisia Gentileschi, Susanna and the Elders, c.16389.
Artemisia Gentileschi, Self-portrait as the Allegory of Painting, c.163839.
Richard Cattermole, The Queens Bedchamber, Kensington Palace, c.1818.
Richard Cattermole, “The Queen’s Bedchamber,” Kensington Palace, c.1818. (Photo: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023)
After extensive conservation work, the painting was brought back to its original glory.
Artemisia Gentileschi, Susanna and the Elders, c.16389, before and after the completion of extensive conservation treatment.
Conservator Adelaide Izat working on “Susanna and the Elders.” (Photo: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023)
Artemisia Gentileschi, “Susanna and the Elders,” c.1638–9, before and after the completion of extensive conservation treatment. (Photos: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023)
(Photo: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023)
