Discover the life of Artemisia Gentileschi in Rome, one of the most celebrated female painters of the 17th century, from the streets where she lived to the art and events that shaped her extraordinary story. Uncover the assault and dramatic trial that changed her life, and see one of her rediscovered paintings. Encounter Caravaggio and the Baroque world that influenced her art, then visit magnificent Palazzo Barberini with your fully licensed guide, exploring its masterpieces and spectacular architecture. Entry tickets included.
The guide will be waiting for you at Porta Flaminia (Porta del Popolo), under the main arch at the entrance to Piazza del Popolo
The tour ends inside Palazzo Barberini.
Begin in Piazza del Popolo, in the quarter where the Gentileschi family lived. Artemisia grew up in the workshop of her father Orazio, a well-known painter of his time. When she was just twelve, her mother died and was buried nearby in Santa Maria del Popolo. Inside, in the Cerasi Chapel, discover two masterpieces by Caravaggio — the revolutionary painter whose work was part of the artistic world in which the young Artemisia developed her talent.
Learn about Artemisia’s life as she was assaulted, deceived and betrayed — events that would lead to the notorious trial that changed the course of her life. Then step inside the Basilica dei Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso to see one of her paintings and uncover its remarkable rediscovery. Christ Blessing the Children was lost to Artemisia’s story for centuries, passing through collections under different attributions before eventually reaching New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Sold by the Met in 1979 as the work of another artist, it was finally recognized as Artemisia’s in 2012 — here in Rome, hanging in this very church.
Walk toward Castel Sant’Angelo as Artemisia’s story reaches its most dramatic chapter: the trial of Agostino Tassi. Forced to recount the assault before a Roman court, she then had to defend the truth of her own testimony. To test her words, the judges subjected her to the sibille — cords wrapped around her fingers and progressively tightened. Even under torture, Artemisia refused to change her account. Tassi was eventually convicted and sentenced to exile from Rome. The original trial records, preserving Artemisia’s own words, still survive today in Rome’s State Archive.
End the tour visiting the magnificent Palazzo Barberini, home to one of Rome’s great art collections, with masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael and many others. The palace is a work of art in itself — a landmark of Roman Baroque architecture shaped by Bernini and Borromini. Admire its monumental interiors, spectacular frescoed ceilings and extraordinary helicoidal staircase as you discover the treasures within. Entry tickets included.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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