‘Before the Bath (After Gentileschi)’

Kate Howe, 2022, site-specific installation, YinMn Blue oil paint and liquid gold leaf on Kraft paper with prickwork and stitching, variable dimensions, created for the show Omitted References at the Art Pavilion at Mile End, Hands: Noa Pane, Ellen Wight, Isabelle Jolliffe, Sadie Wight, Tom Wight. Collection: Susanna, Installation, Painting.

PRIKWORK:
”There are about 3200 images and objects depicting SUSANNA AND THE ELDERS
produced between 1100-1800. Why? WHY?

Because they were given, it seems, as a POPULAR WEDDING present… ostensibly
to remind and encourage the WIVES to be CHASTE and VIRTUOUS, while also
serving as a convenient source of PORNOGRAPHY for the husbands.

This gift teaches.”

(Gold lettering: SCENA del CIMINE)

What does it teach? What does an image, given as a WEDDING GIFT depicting two
trusted Elders breaking into her bath together, the highest moment of threat, the
moment the world shifts from known, and private, and safe and soothing to traumatic:
What does it mean when the gift comes with a card that says “this painting is an image
of a woman CHASTE and VIRTUOUS enough for God to save.”