1) Let’s talk about a 17th century feminist. This is about a woman who endured rape, torture, an arranged marriage, the death of children but created the most incredible ART. This is the story of Artemisia Gentileschi. 1/10

Artimesia was born in 1593 in Rome. Her father was a famous painter but he wanted her to be a nun and didn’t let her leave the house. And then he saw her paint - and realised her potential. So he invited danger into his house in the guise of fellow painter Agostino Tassi. 2/10

This precocious piece was painted when Artemisia was just 17. She’d already been raped by Tassi. Her father insisted the painter should marry his daughter for stealing her maidenhood. He refused. 3/10

So they went to court. Artemisia was tortured in court to prove she was telling the truth. She never wavered and Tassi was found guilty...but was unpunished. 4/10

She, meanwhile, was married to her lawyer’s brother - possibly to pay her legal fees. But it meant she was free to paint. Viscerally powerful stuff like this: 5/10

She became recognised for her art even if she had patrons who had to be reminded that just because she was a woman, it didn’t mean they could pay her less. 6/10

She brought a distinctly feminine sensibility to her art. These are her Madonna & child and Mary Magdalene. The baby is recognisably playful. Artimesia had five children but only 1 survived into adulthood. 7/10

She was the family’s main breadwinner and had a nobleman lover. She taught herself to read and write and was a favourite among the Italian nobility. In 1615 she came to London at the request of Charles I. 8/10

And now she has her first major British exhibition at the @NationalGallery. I’ve written about it here http://www.uncancelled.co.uk/arts/artemisia-breathes-life-into-londons-art-scene/ 9/10

I’d like to thank @potenspuella for introducing me to Artemisia. Sometimes Twitter can be a forum for good 10/10