There is much to be said about the environment Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1653) grew up in and how we see that portrayed throughout her artwork. Her father, Orazio Gentileschi, began nurturing Artemisia’s artistic intuition at a very young age within his workshop in Southern Italy.

At the age of seventeen in 1610, she completed a striking rendition of the Biblical story of Susanna titled Susanna and the Elders. The story of Susanna envisages a young Jewish woman preyed upon by two elder judges. Regarded as invaluable members of community, the men attempt to blackmail the virtuous Susanna into sexual acts. Her refusal of such acts would condemn her to death. However, the story ends as God saves Susanna through Divine Intervention and rather, punishes the judges for their acts of greed and lust.