I remember reading about Artemisia Gentileschi and her painting “Judith Slaying Holofernes” last year from a wonderful essay by the brilliant Rebecca Mead. I came by the essay in my attempt trying to understand how Wallace Stevens appropriates the story of Susanna and the Elders (of which Gentileschi has a painting of the same name, I believe) in his ekphrastic poem “Peter Quince at the Clavier.” The link to the essay: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/10/05/a-fuller-picture-of-artemisia-gentileschi Reading about these paintings was a beautiful experience, although I think seeing them will be much exciting
I was delighted to see this discussion of an unappreciated treasure, and share your views on its collection. Coincidentally, it makes a (very) brief appearance in my upcoming novel.
Wow, I can’t believe I have never visited Apsley House despite passing by it so many times! I’m with you here: It hasn’t been promoted rightly or enough for people to realise the treasures it contains within.
I remember reading about Artemisia Gentileschi and her painting “Judith Slaying Holofernes” last year from a wonderful essay by the brilliant Rebecca Mead. I came by the essay in my attempt trying to understand how Wallace Stevens appropriates the story of Susanna and the Elders (of which Gentileschi has a painting of the same name, I believe) in his ekphrastic poem “Peter Quince at the Clavier.” The link to the essay: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/10/05/a-fuller-picture-of-artemisia-gentileschi Reading about these paintings was a beautiful experience, although I think seeing them will be much exciting
thanks for the link!
You're definitely right that it is one of London's best kept secrets, but they do not have a picture by the most famous Caravaggio. It is rather by an early follower whose identity is disputed: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_Musician_by_Francesco_Buoneri_called_Cecco_del_Caravaggio.jpg
I was delighted to see this discussion of an unappreciated treasure, and share your views on its collection. Coincidentally, it makes a (very) brief appearance in my upcoming novel.
Wow, I can’t believe I have never visited Apsley House despite passing by it so many times! I’m with you here: It hasn’t been promoted rightly or enough for people to realise the treasures it contains within.
“The Waterseller of Seville” is such a masterpiece. The point of being rich is to preserve some such treasures…