A long-lost masterpiece by Renaissance artist Artemisia Gentileschi has been authenticated and will be unveiled to the public next month at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, marking a significant addition to our understanding of the Baroque period.
The painting, depicting the biblical heroine Judith, was discovered in a private collection in southern France and underwent extensive analysis to confirm its attribution. Art historians are calling it one of the most important discoveries of 21st-century art scholarship.
“This work demonstrates Gentileschi’s masterful command of dramatic lighting and psychological intensity,” explained Dr. Elena Rossi, Chief Curator at the Uffizi. “It adds crucial insight into her artistic development during a previously undocumented period of her career.”
Gentileschi, one of the few female artists to achieve recognition during the Italian Baroque era, is celebrated for her powerful portrayals of biblical heroines. The newly discovered painting shows the hallmarks of her distinctive style, including bold use of chiaroscuro and compelling emotional depth.
The Uffizi plans a special exhibition around the painting, which will also feature other works by Gentileschi and her contemporaries. Scholars expect the discovery to spark renewed interest in female artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.