The Beirut blast tore through an Artemisia Gentileschi masterpiece — now it’s back from the ruins

Ulrich Birkmaier, a senior conservator at the Getty Museum, confirms a recently restored painting of Hercules and Omphale is authentically by Artemisia Gentileschi, marking its first public display after extensive restoration. The canvas, which suffered significant damage during the 2020 Beirut explosion, reveals Gentileschi’s remarkable talent at a pivotal moment in her career. The upcoming exhibition, *Artemisia’s Strong Women: Rescuing a Masterpiece*, highlights her work and acknowledges the historical neglect of her legacy, which has seen a resurgence in recent years.