Self Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria 

Artemisia Gentileschi painted this self-portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria using oil on canvas. The painting’s design consists of strong diagonals that create a dynamic tension between the figure and the viewer. Note the lines formed by the palm frond, the wheel, and the saint's gaze. They converge to draw us into the composition's heart, activating a deep emotional response. Gentileschi employs Caravaggio’s tenebrism to intensify the drama. Here, Catherine emerges from a dark background, and light dramatically illuminates her face and hands. This contrast highlights the saint's inner strength and resolve. As we delve into the work's structure, it becomes apparent that Gentileschi subverts traditional gender roles. She portrays herself not as a passive object but as an active participant in her narrative. The wheel, a symbol of Catherine's martyrdom, hints at both suffering and triumph. Gentileschi uses this symbol to challenge fixed meanings and categories. It celebrates female agency and resilience.