Artemisia (1997)

64% of critics liked it
(22 reviews)
64% of users liked it
(1,195 ratings)

This historical drama is based on the true story of Artemisia Gentileschi, the first woman to achieve success as a painter. In 17th century Italy, noted artist Orazio Gentileschi (Michel Serrault) is a portrait artist enjoying a certain degree of success and acclaim. His 17-year-old daughter… More This historical drama is based on the true story of Artemisia Gentileschi, the first woman to achieve success as a painter. In 17th century Italy, noted artist Orazio Gentileschi (Michel Serrault) is a portrait artist enjoying a certain degree of success and acclaim. His 17-year-old daughter Artemisia (Valentina Cervi) would like to follow the same path as her father, but women are not allowed to pursue careers in the arts, and the convent where she attends school forbids students to sketch nude models. Eager to learn, Artemisia begins posing for herself by use of a mirror; her father discovers her secret but is enthusiastic about her work, and he takes her out of school so he can tutor her in painting and drawing. Orazio forbids her to draw male nudes, but curious Artemisia persuades local men to serve as her models, and her work steadily improves. In time, Artemisia and her work come to the attention of Agostino Tassi (Miki Manojovic), a friend of her father who is a well-known painter and something of a rake. Tassi is impressed by both the art and the artist, but when he and Artemisia begin a love affair, he finds himself on trial for rape. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: Agnès Merlet
Written By: Patrick Amos, Agnès Merlet
Genres: Drama, Romance, Art House & International

In Theaters: Sep 10, 1997 Wide
On DVD: Dec 18, 2001
Studio: Miramax

Critic Reviews

David Noh, Film Journal International
It's been richly photographed and designed, but soon degenerates into a typical flesh-and-sin charade.
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
The film does a pretty good job of both recreating the world of 17th century art and of avoiding too much historical anachronism.
Brandon Judell, Critics Inc./America Online
an always perceptive look into the life of an artist only previously known to the most academic of us. Merlet brings the sixteen-hundreds alive with all its wantonness.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A heroine who finds sanctuary in her imagination, the one truth that can be trusted.

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

Lovely movie, beautiful to watch. Every scene could have been made into a painting. May not be accurate in the depiction of this persons life, but that's often what happens when you translate a story, or historical facts, into film. Tragic romance period piece that features some… More
Lovely movie, beautiful to watch. Every scene could have been made into a painting. May not be accurate in the depiction of this persons life, but that's often what happens when you translate a story, or historical facts, into film. Tragic romance period piece that features some fine acting, and cinematography. The musical score perfectly reflected the mood of the film. Nicely done...
Bruce B

A wonderful movie. I came across this on a list of Movies shown at the 1997 Toronto International Film Festival. This is one of those films that turns out great, not knowing a thing about it going into it. Its about the life of a very young female artist in the 17th century, Being a… More
A wonderful movie. I came across this on a list of Movies shown at the 1997 Toronto International Film Festival. This is one of those films that turns out great, not knowing a thing about it going into it. Its about the life of a very young female artist in the 17th century, Being a female and a artist was unheard of in the 17th century, she seems to favor painting male nudity, she falls in love with a older male artist and loses her virginity to him, another thing unheard of in the 17th century (Things haven't changed much) The man is taken to court and put in prison for his affair with her. This is not one of those movies you will find on the shelves of Wal-Mart nor one your going to hear much about other then here. But its worth every minute of your time. Add it to your collection. At the very lease rent it.