Judith beheading Holofernes

Artemisia Gentileschi's classic take on Caravaggio's "Judith Slaying Holofernes" was believed to be commissioned by the Duke of Tuscany Cosimo II Medici. Due to the violent scene depicted the painting was long hidden in a back room of the Palazzo Pitti. Artemisia only received payment for the painting after the death of Cosimo II thanks to a petition from her close friend the famed scientist Galilieo.