Synopsis

In early 17th-century Rome, gifted young painter Artemisia Gentileschi studies in her father's workshop while challenging the restrictions imposed on women artists. Eager to master perspective, she seeks instruction from Agostino Tassi, beginning a relationship that brings artistic inspiration, scandal, and a public trial. The film presents Artemisia's struggle for creative independence through a sensual, romanticized historical drama.

Factoids & Trivia

• Artemisia is a French-German-Italian co-production from 1997 and was filmed in French. Its running time is approximately 98 minutes.

• The story is based on the early life of Artemisia Gentileschi, one of the best-known women painters of the Italian Baroque. Her real 1612 trial involving Agostino Tassi is central to the film.

• The film drew criticism for presenting Artemisia and Tassi's relationship as a mutual love affair. Historical records describe Gentileschi as testifying that Tassi raped her, while the movie substantially changes the trial and its outcome.

• The historical liberties became a public issue during the American release. Art historian Mary Garrard and Gloria Steinem challenged early advertising that described the film as a true story, after which the distributor withdrew that claim.

• The production emphasizes the physical world of painting, including studio work, perspective studies, fresco commissions, and the practice of observing subjects directly from life.

• In the United States, the film was initially classified NC-17 because of its sexual content and nudity. It was later re-rated R on appeal without cuts.