Portrait of Courage: Gentileschi, Wiley, and the Story of Judith
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, January 25–April 16, 2023
Continuing its national tour this month at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is Portrait of Courage: Gentileschi, Wiley, and the Story of Judith, which places two paintings of Judith and Holofernes in dialogue with one another. Though created by two vastly different artists spread across time and culture, the comparison reveals shared narratives and ideas. Over the centuries, the story of Judith and Holofernes has remained an influence to artists who have interpreted Judith as a virtuous young woman, a seductive femme fatale, and a brave heroine. This exhibition addresses all of these tropes along with timeless issues of gender, race, violence, oppression, and social power.