Michael Palin was curious about a striking yet violent painting and began exploring the astonishing story of the forgotten female artist who painted it over 400 years ago. In order to search for the story of Artemisia Gentileschi, Michael went to Italy and met her works in Florence, Rome, and Naples. Michael not only uncovered her paintings, but also her complex life, including her rape in her teens and the insults of a comprehensive trial that followed, her life as a professional mother, and her ultimate success as one of the greatest painters of the Baroque era. She changed the way women were depicted in art and was sought after in many courts in 17th century Europe.