Describe the characteristics of the Painting Materials and Technique in Self-Portrait as a Female Martyr's Description.
The painting was made on a wood panel in oil paint. This was unlike Artemisia Gentileschi's usual method of painting, which was usually done with oil on a canvas. Gentileschi would use a technique called sfumato which is when paint is delicately blended together. She would usually use a black background while creating her artwork. Gentileschi also put an emphasis of realism in her works of art. Mary Gerrard mentions how the size of the panel can also hint at intimacy. The panel being smaller indicated that it was a more private meaning and may be a part of some sort of symbolism.
Artemisia Gentileschi