An Artemisia Gentileschi painting at the Kimbell Art Museum in Texas is being publicly exhibited for the first time in over four centuries.
Titled ‘Penitent Mary Magdalene’ (1625-26), the painting features the prominent Bible figure in a position of deep introspection. The work was bought by the 3rd Duke of Alcalá and Viceroy of Naples, who displayed it at his home in Seville. After his death, the painting passed on to his heirs. Sometime in the late 17th century, the painting disappeared from all public records.
In 2001, the painting resurfaced during an auction. At the time, the work was cited as an ‘atleier’ of Artemisia Gentileschi since many copies of the works by the artist were in circulation. However, since then, art experts have confirmed that the auctioned work in 2001 was indeed an original. The buyer consigned the painting to Adam Williams Fine Art in New York. The gallery sold the work this year, allowing Kimbell Art Museum to acquire the painting finally.
Eric Lee (Director of the museum) said: “The Kimbell has long wished to acquire a work by Artemisia Gentileschi but until now never found the right painting for its collection by this major figure of Italian Baroque art. We are thrilled to present Artemisia Gentileschi’s dazzling Penitent Mary Magdalene to the public for the first time since it was painted in the seventeenth century.” The museum did not disclose the amount paid for the work.
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Despite her impressive works, Artemisia Gentileschi was overshadowed during her life by her male counterparts. It was only in the latter half of the 20th century that feminist academics analysed her works and influence in a new light.
