Blood Water Paint by Joy Mccullough

 

Blood Water Paint is historical fiction written in verse, which you might not have known you needed, but oh my, was it powerful and well worth the learning curve that poetry can cause. Joy McCullough’s debut novel tells the story of one often-forgotten Roman painter, Artemisia Gentileschi, and her journey through the man-dominated field of painting in the early 15th century. The novel begins with the story of a motherless young girl turned studio apprentice, where Artemisia spends her day doing the commissions that her father signs his name to. It is obvious from the beginning that Artemisia is a talented and unique painter, especially considering her young age. As the story progresses, it takes a dark turn and quickly becomes fervently feminist. When Artemisia is raped by a family friend and teacher, Artemisia finds strength in the stories of her most favored biblical subjects, Susanna and Judith.
As Artemisia struggles with the realization that she is the only property in 15th century Rome, she finds strength in Susanna’s honesty and integrity in the face of injustice as well finds guidance in Judith’s bravery and courage in the midst of heartbreak. McCullough’s verse is striking and raw, bringing to life the story of the woman who reclaims her agency in a time when women weren’t even taught to read, let alone paint. As Artemisia fights patriarchy both in her professional life as a painter and in her public life, in the trial of her rapist, readers will feel the raw power and strength of Artemisia’s struggle, to claim her own agency in every word of McCullough’s prose. There are moments of gentle tenderness, furious anger, and desperate sadness. All the emotions that Artemisia might have felt come to life written in prose -- an unexpectedly perfect medium for her story.
Blood Water Paint is a great read for any feminist, who will find in Artemisia a woman who is both realistic and compelling. As Artemisia learns from her recurring subjects, the bond between these women from different times and places becomes a great example of the way that women can support one another. One important distinction that McCullough makes between Artemisia, Susanna, and Judith is their uniqueness -- there is no right answer on how to claim agency or fight for your truth -- there is only the informed guidance of other women to help you find your own strength. A great suggestion for any poetry lover: McCullough’s prose is strong and well-constructed. Fans of historical fiction generally will find much to love about the world that McCullough brings to life for her readers, and Artemisia’s journey will make you want to learn more about this often-forgotten Roman painter.