Symbolism of Artemisia Gentileschi’s - Self-portrait as Allegory of Painting

Introduction

Artemisia Gentileschi in her inconceivable piece of art Self-portrait as Allegory of Painting made a bold assertion with respect to the principal of artistic convention in creating a completely new portrait that was quite factually symbolic in nature and inaccessible to all male artists of the time. According to Harper (1), the art is one that portrays an image full of authority as she shows herself as a professional artist in a period when females were not given an active role in the act. Her seemingly unassertive self-image was, in addition, a symbol of a refined awareness of art theory through her general identification with art profession on a level of high self-familiarity, intelligently and traditionally than previously recognized. This paper, therefore, presents an in-depth analysis of symbolism as presented in Self-portrait as Allegory of Painting by Artemisia Gentileschi. 

Through the symbolic artistic piece, Gentileschi asserts that she did not just serve as a female artist in a period when females were not recognized or enrolled into artistic schools but as a woman artist she is the personification of art itself. Her posture as portrayed in the image, with her lifted chin and changing aspects of portraying herself as intensely absorbed by the painting deed also symbolizes a strong sense of superiority. In addition, the symbol underlines the ideology of her artistic commitment thus portraying herself in chase of the principled objections of realization of individual success and happiness using her personalized means.

In the act of art, Gentileschi portrayed several symbols as related to Allegory of painting even though not all. First, the painting personified of a female who is wearing a gold chain in the incorporation of a pendant mask that represents the ability of the artist to imitate everything that takes in life as well as from experiences. The other symbol is her disorderly hair representing the godly passion of creative personality which also shows the ability of the artist to express strongly with stimulation and emotions through the work of art. In the art, the hair is presented as loose and unorganized which further justifies the symbol.  Moreover, in the image, her dress is of changing color which is an additional symbol. It is rather challenging to establish all the modern depictions of the piece, but this dress has shifting colors within the folds that show faintly (Harper 1). However, it is worth noting that one of the leading symbols that appears more commanding is the absence of a silenced mouth. Her mouth is not as tight which symbolizes that she is violating the rules that females were supposed to adhere to during the renaissance period.

Gentileschi’s free mouth and the portrayal of her art engagement in the self-portrait uncovers a theoretical superiority and mature commitment to high-end art, expertise, philosophy as well as practice. In that, the consistent engagement of the artist in her painting symbolizes studio practice and at the same time, her considerate mediation on the unseen mirror suggests and symbolizes the cerebral elements of art. For her contrary, to male artists who fear to enlighten their hands while working within the art field, she demonstrates her perfect capability to capture the actual essence of what makes an artist as well as incredible artistic images that defy the odds of time and societal gender roles (Harper 1).

Another symbolic piece that is well illustrated in the art piece is painter’s tools such as brush and palette. They are shown in use while the artistic handles them directly which is rather unique given that in most common allegorical images the tools were carefully placed close to the subject but never in actual use. This, therefore, symbolizes her commitment and dedication to what she does as an artist. Despite defying the set rules she personalizes the image to portray her personality as well as an artistic pursuit. She, therefore, conveys the idea that she is the representation of art in which she is ready to defend with her own image to ensure that she emerges successful. This can also be interpreted as a form of authority in which she suggests that women were entitled to during the period but were unable to benefit due to the domination of male which had, in turn, silenced their creativity and ideologies. However, there is also a piece of cloth that fixes the allegory mouth that is missing normally intended to symbolize the non-oral ways of being expressive of the fact that painters are limited as well similar to other professions (Harper 1). This, therefore, results in the thought that the artist defies the norms of keeping quiet as a silenced woman and chooses to pursue artistic achievements and self-fulfillment.

In conclusion, it is evident that the art piece by Gentileschi is one that incorporated symbols in conveying a strong message. Through symbols such as loose hair, golden chain, color shifting dress and a free mouth the artist is able to defy the odds of time and portray an incredible personification through a self-portrait. These symbols are important as they help to understand the focus of the image and what drove the artist to make such an art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work Cited

Harper, Sarah. A Self-Portrait of Remarkable Strength. Armstrong Graduate, Journal of History. 2018.  Retrieved from: https://www.armstrong.edu/history-journal/history-journal-a-self-portrait-of-remarkable-strength

Artwork Images

Figures 1: Artemisia Gentileschi’s - Self-portrait as Allegory of Painting

Figure 2: Artemisia Gentileschi’s - Self-portrait as Allegory of Painting