Tête d'héroïne

This head study of a heroine from around 1620 may be a fragment or preparatory study for a larger narrative painting. Gentileschi's head studies capture the intensity and psychological depth she brought to her female protagonists. Artemisia Gentileschi's powerfully direct treatment of female subjects—heroines, saints, and biblical figures depicted with unprecedented psychological force and physical credibility—makes her one of the most significant figures in the Baroque tradition.

The close-up composition focuses on the woman's expression with strong directional lighting. Gentileschi's naturalistic modeling of the features creates a powerful study of female determination.