Paintings in Hospitals has partnered with the National Gallery to bring a rare painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, the most famous female painter of the 17th century, to Pocklington Group Practice in East Yorkshire...

Artemisia Gentileschi is considered one of the most famous and accomplished painters among the followers of Caravaggio. In an era when female artists were not easily accepted, she was the first woman to become a member of the Academy of the Arts of Drawing, the artists’ academy in Florence.

Artemisia Gentileschi, Self Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria, about 1615-17. © The National Gallery, London

Artemisia’s rare self portrait, Self Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria, is on display at Pocklington Group Practice from today (29 April 2019) until Saturday 11 May as part of a partnership with the National Gallery.

While Artemisia is visiting the GP surgery, there will be a number of opportunities for the public to pop in and see her. A Community Viewing Evening is planned for Wednesday 1 May, 6-8 pm, and a Community Viewing Day on Saturday 11 May, 1.30-6 pm.

Berni Judge, Managing Partner of Pocklington Group Practice says:

“We are extremely excited about being chosen to work with the National Gallery and Paintings in Hospitals and cannot wait for Artemisia to visit us here in Pocklington; we know our staff and patients are going to be thrilled to have her here. We want to be able to share Artemisia’s stay with as many of our local communities as possible, and so that is why we have created some ‘visiting times’ when anyone can come and see her. Another reason for these special events is that, alongside this exciting visit, we are a still a working GP surgery and therefore we need to be able to continue our day-to-day operations as smoothly as possible, so we ask people to please remember and respect that if they are planning to come and visit Artemisia.”

‘Artemisia Visits… Pocklington Group Practice’ is the first stage in our longer collaboration with the patients and carers at Pocklington Group Practice. Amisha Karia, Paintings in Hospitals’ Head of Collection, Loans & Programming explains:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the National Gallery and Pocklington Group Practice to place such an important painting in a care environment. Following Artemisia's visit, we will be working with patients and staff at the GP practice to co-select artworks from the Paintings in Hospitals collection to celebrate the many groundbreaking women artists represented. The chosen artworks will go on display at the surgery for the next three years.”

Director of the National Gallery, Dr Gabriele Finaldi says:

“The National Gallery has never done a tour like this; taking a masterpiece to unexpected venues where it can be enjoyed by people who may not be able to see it in Trafalgar Square. The response in Glasgow was superb and we are looking forward to engaging with local communities in the next surprising venues, a GP surgery and a school.”

Although a highly accomplished artist, Artemisia faced challenges in both her professional and personal life: she was raped by a fellow painter and was subjected to gruelling questioning and torture during the trial that ensued. Her biography has long overshadowed her artistic achievements, but today she is recognised as one of the most talented painters of her generation.

At Paintings in Hospitals, we believe great art should be for everyone and we are committed to using world-class art to support better health and wellbeing. We have a long history of partnerships with national museums and collections to help them bring their artworks into public care spaces. 

Find out more about our partnerships with national museums, galleries and collections...

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