Artemisia Visits

In 2019 Artemisia’s Self Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria visited some unusual and unexpected venues

We acquired the first painting in our collection by Artemisia Gentileschi, the most famous female painter of the 17th century, in 2017. The painting, a self portrait in the guise of the 4th-century Christian martyr, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, was restored, reframed and put on display in the Gallery in 2018.

In 2019, the painting left the Gallery in central London to visit a series of unusual and unexpected locations throughout the UK, including a school in Newcastle, a GP's surgery in Pocklington and prison in Surrey.

Artemisia visits highlights

Where did Artemisia Visit?

The nationwide tour, 'Artemisia Visits', introduced Artemisia to some of the people who collectively own this new national treasure:

Glasgow Women's Library

Artemisia started her journey at Glasgow Women's Library, the only accredited museum in the UK dedicated to women’s lives, histories and achievements. Visitors were able to learn about her during a stay which coincided with International Women's Day.

Pocklington Group Practice, Yorkshire

Artemisia next visited a GP’s surgery in the East Yorkshire market town of Pocklington that lies between York and Hull. She surprised and delighted patients and staff and was the focus of special community viewing events.

Sacred Heart Catholic High School, Newcastle upon Tyne

Staff, students and members of the community enjoyed seeing Artemisia at a girls' school in Newcastle, where she was on display alongside the pupils' GCSE art exhibition. Students from Sacred Heart and neighbouring schools learned about Artemisia in a number of workshops; Year 10 and 12 students heard National Gallery staff offer insights about working in the arts at a careers event; and there was a special public viewing and talk from curator Letizia Treves.

HM Prison Send, Surrey

Artemisia became the first Old Master painting from a national collection in the UK to go on display in a prison when she visited HMP Send in Surrey. While there, a National Gallery artist educator delivered three workshops for up to thirty women prisoners, and the Gallery donated several books on art subjects to the prison library, delivered by our director, Gabriele Finaldi.

Wood Street Library, Waltham Forest

For the final stop on her journey, Artemisia visited Wood Street Library in the London borough of Waltham Forest, where she inspired adults and children alike. The stop was part of the E17 Art Trail and Waltham Forest Borough of Culture 2019 celebrations.