Artemisia, Part 1 of 12

(A true story. In the year 1612, a young artist named Artemisia Gentileschi, native of Rome, was raped by one of her father's artist colleagues. This is the tale of the subsequent criminal trial and its impact on Artemisia's art.) Prefatory Sonnet My tale is of a rape. As plain as that. In sixteen twelve or so, these things took place in Rome. Her father’s friend (you smell a rat?) surprised her in her home, that year of grace, and robbed her of her innocence. His name was Tassi. We’ll learn more of him anon. Three painters are our principals, but claim no immortality – well, maybe one. The three were father, daughter, father’s friend, and Artemisia (the best of all!) She soon progressed from copy, grind and blend and in Rospigliosi took a wall. Today, collectors crave her canvas craft so she laughs longest (having lastly laughed).