Blood

Blood is a symbol of violence and strife. This symbol reoccurs throughout the story in many different forms--childbirth, menstrual cycles, rape, and torture all cause the women in the story to bleed, but Artemisia takes the power of her blood back when she takes inspiration from Judith and decides to channel her pain into paint.

Studio Knife

The studio knife is a symbol of commitment to art. After Artemisia's mother dies, Artemisia is almost sent to a nunnery. Instead, her father asks her to hand him the studio knife and she does so, becoming his apprentice and wedding herself to art rather than God.

Sweets

The sweets are a symbol of indulgence and desire. The money Artemisia earns with her paintings is used to buy her younger brothers sweet treats at the market, but she is expected to have no desires of her own.

Onions

The...