Minerva

Minerva from around 1635 at the Uffizi presents the goddess of wisdom and war, a subject that allowed Gentileschi to paint a powerful female figure in martial guise. The work entered the Uffizi's collection, one of Europe's most important. 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 goddess is rendered with commanding presence, the armor and attributes painted with naturalistic detail. Gentileschi's bold handling creates an image of divine female authority.