Artemisia Gentileschi

1593-1654. One of the first women to achieve international recognition as an artist. She was raped by a painter who was teaching her, and was tortured to verify her testimony against him. He was convicted but his punishment was barely enforced. Undeterred, she continued to build an extraordinary career; her paintings often centred on resilient and defiant women, making her one of the most accomplished painters of her time. Area: Art.