Artemisia Gentileschi’s 1616 nude to be digitally unveiled

Art restorers in Florence, Italy, have embarked on a six-month project to cleanse and digitally reveal a long-censored nude painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, a trailblazing figure in Italian art history. The “Allegory of Inclination,” believed to be a self-portrait, was painted by Gentileschi in 1616, but 70 years later, swirling veils and drapery were added to obscure the original image.

The restoration initiative aligns with a renewed focus on Gentileschi’s contributions to Italian Baroque art, particularly in the #MeToo era, highlighting her artistic achievements and her defiance in breaking into the male-dominated art world after experiencing sexual assault by one of her art teachers.

The painting, initially commissioned for the family home of Michelangelo Buonarroti the Younger, is undergoing modern restoration techniques, including x-rays and UV infrared research, to uncover the original depiction beneath the added veils. The project aims to create a digital image of the unaltered version, to be displayed in an exhibition starting in September 2023.

“Allegory of Inclination” holds historical significance, marking Gentileschi’s debut in the Florentine context. Despite her tumultuous life, Gentileschi’s resilience and artistic prowess continue to inspire, exemplified by her ability to secure commissions from influential patrons like the Medici family and gain recognition in elite cultural circles.

The restoration project, named “Artemisia Up Close,” serves as a testament to the importance of restoring not only artwork but also the stories of women, placing Gentileschi’s legacy at the forefront. The public can witness the restoration process at the Casa Buonarotti museum in Florence until April 23.