The lost masterpiece of Artemisia resurfaces after 400 years: the exhibition not to be missed in Naples

In the heart of Baroque Naples, in the shadow of the majestic Majolica Cloister of Santa Chiara, the return of one of the greatest artists of the seventeenth century is celebrated, Artemisia Gentileschi. From 19 July 2024 to 19 January 2025, the Neapolitan city welcomes an extraordinary event: the exhibition of the “Maddalena”a masterpiece painted by Gentileschi in 1630, which finally returns to light after four centuries of waiting and careful restoration.

The work, full of pathos and sensuality, reflects the unmistakable style of the Roman painter, characterized by a skilful use of chiaroscuro and a drama that shines through in every brushstroke. A journey through time that takes the viewer back to an era in which art was a means of affirmation and rebellion, especially for a woman like Artemisia Gentileschi, who had to fight tenaciously against the conventions of her time. In this sense, the figure of “Magdalene” goes beyond the religious sphere, becoming a symbol of redemption and inner strength.

The Cloister of Santa Chiara is the ideal setting to host a masterpiece of this magnitude, a choice that does not seem casual: itself, harmonious and contemplative, invites reflection, total immersion in Gentileschi’s artistic universe, for a symphony of art and history that will touch the deepest strings of the soul.

The exhibition is the prelude to a rich exhibition program that will animate the Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara in the coming years. From 2025, the eight hundredth anniversary of the “Canticle of Creatures” will see new exhibitions dedicated to Saint Francis and Saint Clare, further bringing the cultural vocation of this space to the fore.

An unmissable event (we still remember the dates, from 19 July 2024 to 19 January 2025) which pays homage to the power of a woman who was able to leave an indelible mark in the history of art.

Who was Artemisia Gentileschi

Artemisia Gentileschi, born on 8 July 1593, is an icon of feminism. Talented painter, daughter of art, she was the victim of rape at 18 by Agostino Tassi. Despite the rape trial, in which she suffered physical torture and slander, Artemisia never recanted. The event profoundly marked her life and her art, but did not prevent her from becoming the first woman admitted to the Academy of Drawing Arts in Florence. His works, such as “Judith and Holofernes”, reflect his inner struggle and desire for justice.

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