Criticism about the 1998 film, "Artemisia"

     "She was the first female acknowledged for her work hence she became an inspiration to proceeding female painters. However, the film portrays the painter in a different light -- a weak minded, sex crazed young girl whose creative energy stems from her so-called lover (factually her rapist), Agostino Tassi."
     "Artemisia's talents are continuously victimized. From her father taking credit for her work to her response to the rape trial, Artemisia can only be seen as the victim. Once a strong willed girl, Artemisia ends up as a dribbling and love-sick young girl. She is portrayed as a girl whose "love" for Agostino enables her to become rebellious toward her father and the authorities."
     "It seems that her talent derives first from her fathers and passed onto her lovers. The film doesn't demonstrate her becoming independent from any male influence. Artemisia is practically surrounded by males, and her talent is nurtured from the male creativity. Therefore, we the viewers, are left with the impression Artemisia's lack of ownership over her creativity. The film credits the males, particularly Orazio and Tassi, for her progression and therefore her work and her fame. It seems that her male peers talents transcend through her hands and use her as a vehicle to do their creativity."