ARTEMISIA GENTILESCHI
It was a lesson too early learned: trust is not a gift simply presented to the well placed. Rather it is an understanding created by knowledge and nurtured by faith.
My instructor, who I once revered and admired so for his craft, was in fact the teacher of a more ugly lesson.
He was a monster far worse than those spoken of in tales told to warn or entertain the young. He betrayed me. The creature thrust into me my first understanding of rage-stealing from me an innocence not only of body but of spirit. The latter was the greater pain.
There is no question that he believed himself protected by his standing and my disposition. Never would he have imagined the lengths to which I would go to see that justice was honored.
I discovered in myself a strength that I never before needed to call upon. It was revealed in the very moment that my greatest horror unfolded. I was absent in his presence, and I lingered with my muse.
She pressed upon my mouth her pale peach lips and breathed into me her privilege, my new source. She introduced me to Survival and I danced slowly with Endurance, so when the terror ended, I was pained, surprised, horrified and fiercely determined.
The courts elected to hear my complaint, in large part because I was the daughter of Orazio. But the system was not designed to respect the words of a girl known to be of strong mind and character.
The beast had a dalliance with conviction but was acquitted in only months.
I never questioned that each of the men responsible for his release knew that I spoke the truth. It was their collective state of inadequacy that promoted this injustice.
There were no doubts concerning the event-only the importance of it. Doubts that could never be spoken, for the answers were far too evident. I had no influence-a further fight would be in vain.
I soon realized my lack of power was limited to the courts. I was blessed with my father's gift and committed to using
it well. I expressed-my pain, my fury, my betrayal.
In time accolades and commissions arrived-life's bitter blend softened and began to taste sweet.
My success was undeniable-the very men who declared me insignificant were forced to recognize my work with respect.