Knowing little of the life of seventeenth-century Italian painter Artemisia Gentileschi, reading a fictionalised account of her life in ‘Disobedient’ by Elizabeth Fremantle was a delight.
It is an absorbing read. In Rome, 1511, Fremantle creates a fierce world in which teenager Artemisia lives with her father and three brothers. Expected to accept her fate as a lesser person – she is not taught to read and write, must defer to her drunken father and isn’t consulted about decisions that affect her life – she must assist her [lesser talented] artist father while secretly painting her own work.
When her friend Piero assess a work-in-progress and says ‘Apparently, you know more than you think you do about men’s desires,’ Artemisia replies, ‘I watch. And I listen.’ Her skill, her dedication to her art, her confidence and simple difference from other subservient women, is her strength and her weakness. Men feel threatened by her or attracted to her. When her father Orazio begins a search for a husband for her, he courts Agostino Tassi in the hope that as a painter he will allow Arti to continue to paint after marriage. But Tassi is not all he seems. Arti finds herself trapped in a nightmare. Fighting against the restrictions placed on women, her only rebellion is on canvas. She paints the most disturbing, violent, incisive art that has been seen, by a man let alone by a woman. Desperate to be free of Tassi, she has two options. Marriage, or the law court.
Disobedient is an unflinching portrayal of life for women in seventeenth-century Italy, and a portrayal of one artist who refused to submit. Artemisia Gentileschi was a real person, she painted the pictures depicted in Fremantle’s novel, she was raped and tried by torture. Around the historical facts, Fremantle has constructed a compelling, emotional, heart-rending story that is uplifting and at the same time difficult to read.
Excellent. The anger and sense of injustice pours off the page.
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I found this interesting and told well but it just felt a little flat and weak character wise outside of Artemisia. The side characters could have done with more work as they all felt a little flat and 2d, and even though they had character motivations- it didn't always feel like it was super clear what they were aiming to do. The writing was fine but it lacked a grip to keep me hooked. I did like the story it told but it just didn't deliver in execution.

Disobedient was an intriguing read which beautifully blends the brutal reality of women's lives during this time period with the vibrant history of art and artists. Unlike some readers, I was not familiar with the real story of Artemisia prior to reading, but Fremantle really brought her to life in this book. I loved her writing style, which is reminiscent of Elodie Harper's writing - direct yet lyrical.

This was another refreshing read in the recent trend of feminist retellings, bringing to light the life of a real historical figure rather than rehashing the story of familiar characters. It truly sparked my interest in Artemisia's life and I'll definitely be doing some research of my own! I would highly recommend this book, especially to those who are fans of Elodie Harper's The Wolf Den trilogy, as I found the writing styles and some of the themes to be similar. I look forward to reading more of Fremantle's work!

Unfortunately this did not fullfill my expectations of historical fiction. I found the historical person and background were rather only a gimmick. And the main part of the plot - based on Artemisias life, no doubt -felt like it was also used in a rather voyeuristic way, unfortunately.
I read an arc (otherwise this would have been a DNF I guess), thanks to the publisher and netgalley for providing that.

Full review available on History Belles. https://www.instagram.com/p/CxhuBKCI-56/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Great female main character with a very strong feminist point of view throughout. Prose were excellently written and loved the setting of renaissance italy.

Some readers may be familiar with the talented 17th century Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1656), the Italian baroque artist whose paintings include Susanna and the Elders, Judith Slaying Holofernes, and Judith and Her Maidservant, there has been a resurgence of interest in her in more recent times. Elizabeth Fremantle blends fact and fiction in this well researched novel, to depict an earlier part of her life, growing up in Rome, she had lost her mother and is raised by her Caravaggio influenced artist father, Orazio. She is shaped by the norms and expectations of women, the limitations and to be ruled by men, Artemesia underwent the drama of what is a well known period of horror and trauma in her life.

This results in a trial and her torture, she is meant to accept her fate, revolving around the perfidious Agostini Tassi, who initially enters her life as a tutor. With rich descriptions of the characters, time and place, we become immersed in and learn of the artistic Artemesia's ambitions as she develops her skills which go on to surpass that of Orazio. She demonstrates her courage, passion and resilience as she deals with the challenges and repercussions of the rage inducing events. We know she goes on to fulfil her potential, against all the odds, in Rome and Florence. Artemesia gains patrons, choosing to be true to herself, largely painting women, in her commitment to realism that evolves into her naturalistic style.

Fremantle spares the reader little, the emotive and heartbreaking nature of the brutal world in which women lived in the 17th century, the beauty and history of art, specifically providing a perspective on Artemesia that is vibrant and feels authentic. I would recommend this to those interested in the early life of Gentileschi, art and women, and in this particular cultural and historical period in Italy. Many thanks to the publisher.

Artemisia is a woman painter in a world where women cannot be painters. Her talent far surpasses that of her father but he takes credit for her work. He is keen for Artemisia to marry well and when she puts off one suitor he fixes on a fellow painter, one with patronage that will help pull the family from poverty. However Artemisia is repulsed by this man and in return is raped. Whilst marriage is promised, it cannot happen and so her father instigates a legal case. In 17th century Rome, a woman is a whore until proven innocent and Artemisia must suffer torture in order to clear her name.
The story of Artemisia Gentileschi has been novelised a few times and this is one of the stronger versions. Her licence is taken with the facts to embroider personalities on the characters and Artemisia is depicted as someone who actively doesn't want to marry. What we do know is that she was tortured during the trial , a painful torture involving breaking the fingers of the person and that this could have affected her talent. The rise in feminism has brought Artemisia out of the shadows, and she was a very talented artist, so Fremantle has done her a service by representing her skills so strongly.

This is a story of determination, perseverance, passion for your calling. This story is based on a real artist and her experiences in the male dominated art world of Rome and Florence in the seventeenth century. It wasn’t an easy read: the odds stacked against Artemesia, completely at the mercy of the men in her life. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

Belatedly: this really is very, very good. I'm only sorry I haven't discovered Fremantle earlier. Her way of dealing with Gentilischi's story is both vibrant and convincing. Read it.

Elizabeth Fremantle is an author I always look forward to reading and I have enjoyed all six of her previous novels, including her two historical thrillers published under the name E.C. Fremantle. This seventh novel takes us to 17th century Italy and tells the story of Artemisia Gentileschi, one of the most important and accomplished female painters of her time.

Artemisia grows up in Rome, the daughter of the painter Orazio Gentileschi. Having lost her mother while still a child, Artemisia is raised by her father, spending time in his workshop learning to draw and paint. Orazio is a talented artist, heavily influenced by the more famous Caravaggio, but it quickly becomes obvious even to him that his daughter’s work is better than his own.

In 1611, the painter Agostino Tassi enters Artemisia’s life, first as her tutor and then as her intended husband. However, Tassi’s arrival leads to a terrible experience for Artemisia – something I won’t go into here because I think any reader who has come to this book with little or no knowledge of Artemisia’s life will probably prefer to discover her story for themselves. The second half of the book becomes quite dramatic as the repercussions of this incident become clear, so if you don’t already know all the details in advance, which I didn’t, it’s interesting just to watch it all unfold.

Artemisia is a great subject for historical fiction, being a strong, ambitious, determined woman whose work has left a lasting impact. Although we can’t know her true thoughts and feelings, Fremantle does a good job of getting inside Artemisia’s head and showing us what may have provided the inspiration for some of her paintings, such as Susanna and the Elders and Judith Slaying Holofernes. You’ll probably find yourself wanting to look up the paintings online as you read. As well as Artemisia, there are other characters in the novel who are equally well drawn; I’ve already mentioned Tassi and Artemisia’s father Orazio, but there’s also Zita, who becomes a model and chaperone for Artemisia, and Piero, Orazio’s assistant.

Disobedient covers only the earlier part of Artemisia’s life and the novel ends with a lot of her story still untold, but after reading Fremantle’s author’s note where she explains her personal reasons for wanting to write this book, I can see why she chose this period to focus on and I appreciate the courage it has taken for her to do so. I don’t think it’s my favourite of her novels, simply because some of the other settings and historical figures she has written about have interested me more, but I still enjoyed this book and am pleased to have had the opportunity to add to my knowledge of this fascinating artist.

Review of DISOBEDIENT

By: Elizabeth Fremantle
Released: UK, 27 July 2023
Publisher: Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House

4 out of 5 stars ****
(= VERY much liked it, though will probably only read once)

When I read DISOBEDIENT I didn’t know anything about the plot. I had simply had a couple of trusted sources say WOW, READ IT. So I did. In that spirit, I will definitely attempt to not tell you too much about the plot.

Disobedient is based on the most formative events the life of early 17th century Italian painter Artemisia Gentileschi. I am no art expert but sounds to me like she was basically a baroque great master, and to appreciate that you really have to take a moment to absorb that she was - gasp - a woman. My “gasp” sound flippant but it’s actually not. We’re taking about the early 1600s here so color me genuinely impressed. I had never even heard of her before this (again, no expert here!) but this is one of those books that I’m literally grateful for since it brought her to my attention because wow what a woman.

Artemisia is only a teen when her talent is already eclipsing that of her father, Orazio Gentileschi. But what good is her gift to a girl in early 17th century Italy (or anywhere else while we’re at it)? Artemisia is caught between the life she wants and the limits of what society allows in her reach. It is this tension which helps shepherd her along a path which brings pure ruin for a woman - and her entire family - in that day. Artemisia, however, was no normal woman, and she did not give up so easily.

The writing is finely sketched as the works it describes. The city and historical details and the color descriptions are full and nuanced yet never overdone. Fremantle does a convincing job of showing the world through the eyes of a painter. What Artemisia sees in others’ (read: men’s) works vs what she infuses into her own…it’s impossible not to connect with an Artemisia that feels so tangibly authentic.

Fremantle makes clear how this part of Artemisia’s story is so relevant to what made her stand out as an artist. You can go look up her work after reading and SEE it reflected there. When you do, you just feel in your chest that Fremantle is correct in her hypothesis. But it doesn’t only feel important to the story of Artemisia or even the story of art. It’s equally powerful for women of today. And that’s true before you get to Fremantle’s personal note at the end. If this wasn’t already a story that will stick in your head, it will be after that.

Having just been in Italy and seen some amazing art works I found this to be a great read for the plane home and I liked the world that Freemantle conjured up - I could certainly see (and smell) her world.
At times I'd have liked the book to feel a little less 21st century in language and style but when I read the afterword I could understand this more.
I'd have liked the book to have been longer and more details (like Stone's The Agony and the Ecstasy) but this was a good read that led me to lots of googling to find images of the paintings discussed.

Let me start by saying I knew a little of the background to this story from studying art history, but of you know none of the background you are in for a real treat and her paintings should be so much more will known, alongside her male contemporaries.

The book is set in C17th Rome, Artemisia Gentileschi is a skilled artist struggling to make her mark in a world where women are repressed and only men can be successful.

Once she is assaulted by her tutor Tassi, Artemisia has to decide whether to marry the man who attacked her (in line with society's expectations of the time) or to stand trial. Hobson's choice for a women in those days.

This is a fiercly feminist novel, outstandingly written and researched. I would bet any money you'll be looking up Artemsia's paintings when you've read this - Judith beheading Herlofernes is a stand out and you can imagine the emotion that went into that!

“I show what a woman can do” - powerful and inspiring book of the true life story of artist Artemisia Gentileschi, a female painter who fought for her artistic right and is now considered one of the most accomplished Italian Baroque painters of all time.
In the city of Roman in 1611, where women are seen, but never heard, Artemisia dreams of becoming a great artist, but she is shamed, silenced and fiercely learnt how to survive.
It was a pleasure getting to know Artemisia, such a brave woman, thank you for giving her a voice.
Thanks @elizfremantle @michaeljbooks & @netgalley for the eARC

Rome 1611. Artemisia Gentileschi is a passionate artist and hopes to become famous for her work, but she lives in a world where women are expected to be seen and not heard.
That is unacceptable to this strong resolute woman and she continues to do what she loves.
Until the unthinkable happens and she is assaulted by Tassi, her popular and charismatic teacher. He calls her a liar and she is put on trial.
Artemisia has two choices -‘marry the man who attacked her and save her and her families reputation or go on trial.
In this time when women are treated as second class citizens, she must stand by her beliefs and never give up.
Elizabeth Fremantle had created a novel about a lady who is someone we should all revere and respect.
This a story so beautifully written with such class and elegance along with empowering passion and strength and I found it impossible to put down.
This book is nothing short of extraordinary and I highly recommend it.

A brilliant book. The book is a fictional version of the early, troubled years of the artist, Artemisia Gentileschi. Although I didn't know her name, on reading, I realised that I had seen some of her paintings. Set in Rome in the early 17th century the story tells of Artemisia's suffering under a selfish, jealous father and the restrictions on females. By the time she was 17 her talent was recognized but she had to fight against her father's wish to marry her off. The story only follows her until her early twenties. Although her remaining years may not be as sensational but I hope Fremantle writes another book about her.
Certainly a book worth reading.

Disobedient by Elizabeth Fremantle is a fictional novel based on the life of baroque female painter Artemisia Gentileschi, set in Rome in the early 17th Century.  Rome during this time was the major religious and cultural centre in Italy and Artemisia’s story will be familiar.   An incredibly talented artist, hindered by her gender.  Nothing more than a commodity, property to be exchanged between debtor and creditor as her father tries to wed her to the highest bidder.  Jealous of her superior talent, he enters into deals with devils in an attempt to change the course of Artemisia’s life, ensuring she remains down at heel to all the mediocre men in her life. 
 
This novel has a wonderful, if somewhat bloody beginning, acting like a promise of what’s to come and the author had captured my attention straight away.  6-year-old Artemisia witnessing with her father the execution of a young girl, an experience that will shape and mould her artistic vision. 
 
Elizabeth Fremantle has created an incredible character in Artemisia.  Finally, a female protagonist who is not reduced to sitting in a corner as silent tears of rage drip down her cheeks, no more internal dialogue berating herself over expressing anger.  Artemisia is furious; she is vocal about it and rightly so.  It was refreshing to see how Fremantle handled this portrayal of female rage.  Ultimately Artemisia is constrained by the era she is born into but, she is not willing to sit noiselessly with the injustice of it. 
 
All that wonderful characterisation aside, this novel is fast paced, exciting, horrifying, gruesome, infuriating and while I cannot admit to ever having a keen interest in the history of art, you guessed it I’m off down a carmine red rabbit hole.    
 
Thank you to the author, @netgalley and @michaeljbooks for a digital ARC in return for an honest review. 
 
Disobedient is out July 27th, 2023.
 
*** DM for trigger warnings***

The historical research is extensive yet subtle, so as not to interfere with the story. Having read Elizabeth Fremantle before, I was not surprised to find that this book was excellent. I enjoyed the story of a female artist in a man's world as I have not read her story before. Highly recommended.

Book review: ‘Disobedient’ by @lizfremantle

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and for me, 4 stars means I loved it) - out in July

Fascinating and moving; it made me angry; it was inspirational.

In brief - a novelised version of the early career of 17th century Italian painter, Artemisia Gentileschi as she strives to make her mark in a man’s world. Her career is interwoven with her relationship with her father, also a painter but one whose star is in a grief-ridden, wine-soaked decline. When he is given a potentially career-saving commission, it sets in motion a chain of events that tests everything to the limit. Not everything - or everyone - passes that test.

So many outstanding features, it’s hard to know where to begin (and impossible to use proper grammar):

Characters with depth - plenty of light and shade, just like the paintings it features. Brilliantly observed variety of personality types and motivations.

Thoughtful portrayal of the problematic family life of the Gentileschis and the precarious social position occupied by painters.

Wonderful historical detail that knows its place - that grounds the reader in a time and place, gives context and colour, but never overwhelms the story.

Above all, the depiction of deeply ingrained male chauvinism and sexual violence is chillingly well done.

Somehow, for a serious book about serious themes, it didn’t feel like a grind. Artemisia’s strength of character and some of the subtle undercurrents kept it from being too bleak.

#Disobedient is published on 27 July by Penguin, Michael Joseph.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @michaeljbooks for the digital ARC and a huge bow of admiration to Elizabeth Fremantle for writing it.