Hercules and Omphale is the creation of Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1653), an Italian Baroque painter. This artist, influenced by Caravaggio, is considered one of the most accomplished painters of this period, painting professional products by age 15. Her subjects were most often from the Bible and mythology.

 

This painting and artist faced extreme challenges. Artemisia suffered rape at age 18 and was tortured with a sibille during her testimony at trial. This involved wrapping cords around her fingers and tightening them to potentially crush joints and break bones as a way to reveal any lies. This painting was severely damaged by the ammonium nitrate explosion in Beirut in 2020.  Both artist and painting survived and the painting has been in the news recently. After a long time of painstaking restoration by the Getty, it is currently on display at that museum through September 14.

Interest in Artemisia Gentileschi has been restored also. She painted many scenes of women triumphant over men. In this work, Omphale, Queen of Lydia, towers over Hercules who she has enslaved to spin yarn. This pictured moment when they fall in love complete with Cupid is rich in her signature color, dimension, drama and feminism.

We give thanks for the overcoming of this work and artist. May we pause for a moment in recognition of both this day. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,