This sculpture, Artemisia’s (1612) Sword, is crafted from discarded automotive parts and brass, combining strength and grace to honor one of art history’s most resilient figures, Artemisia Gentileschi. The open-frame blade features gears and rods intertwined with a brass vine and leaves that climb from tip to hilt. The vine begins small, then expands upward, symbolizing the steady rise of women’s empowerment — a movement that took root long before the 1848 women’s rights convention or the suffrage victories of the 1900s.
The gears represent the mechanisms of society — sometimes slowing, sometimes advancing women’s progress. Each welded joint and curve tells a story of transformation, reclaiming forgotten fragments and turning them into symbols of perseverance.
The title references the year 1612, when Artemisia Gentileschi faced her assailant, Agostino Tassi, in court. Standing before her accusers, she declared, “This is the ring you gave me, and these are your promises!” — a moment of fearless defiance that echoes through centuries. Her voice, like her art, became a weapon of truth and reclamation.
In her masterpiece Judith Slaying Holofernes, Artemisia painted Judith wielding a sword with unwavering conviction. That same spirit infuses this sculpture. Here, the sword transforms from a tool of violence into one of justice, courage, and rebirth.
By using reclaimed metal and brass, Artemisia’s (1612) Sword also speaks to sustainability — giving discarded materials new life and meaning. The brass vine gleams within the steel frame, reminding us that growth and empowerment persist even through hardship.
This one-of-a-kind piece embodies the courage of Artemisia herself — a fusion of art, history, and empowerment. A true collector’s treasure, it’s a striking symbol of strength and transformation never before seen in metal art.
Dimensions:
Stand: L 6-1/2" X W 6-1/2" X H 36-1/2"
Sword: L 4" X W 4" X H 28"
