Artemisia Gentileschi Self-Portrait Sells for Record $5.7 Million at Christie's

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. also just acquired a major work by the artist.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Christie's broke the auction record for Artemisia Gentileschi, selling a rare, early self-portrait in which she's dressed as Saint Catherine of Alexandria for about $5.69 million, surpassing the previous auction high of $5.25 million. The work is one of only five self-portraits Gentileschi painted, with three in museums. On the same day, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. announced the acquisition of Gentileschi's Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy (circa 1625).

Why it matters

Artemisia Gentileschi's renown has risen in recent years as museums and historians have attempted to bring attention to the long-sidelined work of woman artists. The record-breaking sale and major museum acquisition highlight the growing appreciation and demand for Gentileschi's influential Baroque paintings.

The details

The self-portrait sold at Christie's was likely painted when Gentileschi was just shy of 20 years old and living in Florence from 1613 to 1620. The work had been on loan to the Nasjonalmuseet in Oslo since 2022 and is believed to be the earliest of Gentileschi's five known self-portraits. The National Gallery of Art's newly acquired Gentileschi painting, Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy, depicts the Magdalene in 'a powerful state of spiritual transformation' and is similar in subject matter to a lost 1606 Caravaggio painting.

  • The self-portrait sold at Christie's on February 4, 2026.
  • The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. announced the acquisition of Gentileschi's Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy on the same day, February 4, 2026.
  • The upcoming exhibition 'Artemisia Gentileschi: The Triumph of Painting' is set to open in February 2028 at the Nivaagaard Collection in Nivå, Denmark, and the self-portrait sold at Christie's has been requested for this show.

The players

Artemisia Gentileschi

An Italian Baroque painter known for her powerful, dramatic works, particularly her depictions of strong female figures. She is considered one of the most prominent artists of the 17th century.

Christie's

A renowned British auction house that specializes in fine art, antiques, jewelry, and collectibles.

National Gallery of Art

The national art museum of the United States, located in Washington, D.C., which houses one of the world's premier collections of paintings, sculptures, and works on paper.

Nivaagaard Collection

An art museum in Nivå, Denmark that is set to host the upcoming exhibition 'Artemisia Gentileschi: The Triumph of Painting' in February 2028.

Nina J. Cohen

The donor who funded the National Gallery of Art's acquisition of Gentileschi's Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy, in honor of her father, Emanuel Cohen.

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What’s next

The upcoming exhibition 'Artemisia Gentileschi: The Triumph of Painting' is set to open in February 2028 at the Nivaagaard Collection in Nivå, Denmark, and the self-portrait sold at Christie's has been requested for this show.

The takeaway

Artemisia Gentileschi's rising prominence in recent years as a celebrated 17th-century woman artist is reflected in the record-breaking auction sale of her self-portrait and the major acquisition of her work by the National Gallery of Art, further cementing her legacy and influence.