Lost Artemisia Gentileschi Painting Discovered in Royal Collection
A previously categorized piece from the "French School" within the Royal Collection has been recognized as an exceptional artwork by Artemisia Gentileschi. This revelation was made by the Royal Collection Trust, with art historian Niko Munz leading the investigation, which focused on works scattered following King Charles I's execution on January 30, 1649. Although it was thought that only "Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting" had survived, recent findings linked "Susanna and the Elders" to a painting housed at Hampton Court Palace. Conservation efforts uncovered the "CR" mark on its reverse, verifying its provenance. Now restored, "Susanna and the Elders" is exhibited at Windsor Castle alongside other creations by Artemisia and her father, Orazio Gentileschi, in a temporary showcase.
Key facts
- Painting attributed to French School identified as Artemisia Gentileschi's 'Susanna and the Elders'
- Rediscovery by Royal Collection Trust and art historian Niko Munz
- Painting stored at Hampton Court Palace for over 100 years
- Mark 'CR' (Carolus Rex) on back confirmed provenance from Charles I's collection
- Seven Artemisia paintings recorded in Charles I's inventories; only 'Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting' was known to survive
- Painting underwent conservation: removal of dirt, later paint layers, added canvas strips, and old damage repair
- Now exhibited at Windsor Castle alongside Artemisia's self-portrait and Orazio Gentileschi's work
- Temporary exhibition in Queen's Drawing Room near other Stuart masterpieces
Entities
Artists
- Artemisia Gentileschi
- Orazio Gentileschi
- Niko Munz
Institutions
- Royal Collection Trust
- Hampton Court Palace
- Windsor Castle
- Queen's Drawing Room
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Berkshire
- Hampton Court Palace
- Windsor Castle