Artemisia Gentileschi, born in 1598, the daughter of an esteemed painter, taught art in Naples and painted the great women of Roman and biblical history. She could neither read nor write, was reviled as a rape victim in a public trial, rejected by her father, and later abandoned by her husband. Nevertheless, she was one of the first women in modern times to uphold through her work and deeds the right of women to pursue careers compatible with their talents and on an equal footing with men. Anna Banti's novel was first published to critical acclaim in Italy in 1947 (Banti was the pseudonym of Lucia Lopresti, 1895-1978). The translator, Shirley D'Ardia Caracciolo, whose afterword discusses the historical background and artistry of Artemisia, lives in Ireland.

Translated by: Shirley d'Ardia Caracciolo