Blood Water Paint
on Goodreads (9,554)
What’s inside...
A debut novel based on the true story of Artemisia Gentileschi, a talented painter in Rome during the 1600s. After her mother's death, Artemisia chooses to work with her father instead of becoming a nun. By seventeen, she becomes one of Rome's most talented painters, though unrecognized. Following a traumatic rape, Artemisia faces a choice between silence and truth, ultimately choosing to let her art speak for her resilience and strength as a woman. The novel is a portrait of an artist as a young woman, interweaving her heartbreaking story with the stories of the ancient heroines, Susanna and Judith, who become sources of strength as she battles to paint a woman's timeless truth in the face of violence.
Age
14-17
Length
298 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Artemisia Gentileschi
Orazio Gentileschi
Agostino Tassi
Tuzia
Discussion points
How did Artemisia's courage to speak out inspire you?
What do you think about the way Artemisia expressed her emotions through her paintings?
Why is it important to tell our own stories, like Artemisia did?
How do you think Artemisia felt when she was not taken seriously because she was a woman?
What can we learn from Artemisia's relationship with her father?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing, encourage your child to express their initial thoughts and feelings about the book to gauge their understanding and emotional reaction.
Highlight Artemisia’s strength and resilience in overcoming challenges, prompting your child to think of instances where they have shown or can show similar strength.
Discuss the historical context of the story to help your child understand the different challenges faced by women during Artemisia’s time.
Ask your child how they think the story would be different if it happened in today’s world, encouraging them to think critically about social progress and gender equality.
Utilize Artemisia's artwork described in the book as a visual aid to deepen the conversation about how art can be a form of personal expression and resistance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Artemisia Gentileschi, faces overwhelming challenges but continually fights for her voice and justice, demonstrating immense resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own difficulties, whether in school or in personal endeavors, understanding that steadfastness can lead to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Empowerment through self-expression
Explanation: Artemisia uses painting as a means to assert her identity and cope with her traumas, showcasing the power of creative outlets.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore artistic or creative pursuits as a healthy way to express themselves and deal with emotions.
Example Lesson: Importance of seeking justice
Explanation: Despite the societal limitations of her time, Artemisia pursues justice for the wrongs done to her, underlining the importance of standing up for oneself.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of fairness and the importance of advocating for oneself or others when facing wrongdoing.
Example Lesson: Learning from historical figures
Explanation: The story of Artemisia, set in the 17th century, provides a historical context that enriches the reader's understanding of the past and its influence on the present.
Real-World Application: Children can gain a deeper appreciation of history and its impact on today’s societal norms and rights, encouraging a more informed perspective on current issues.