Summary

Part 2 begins with a narrative section titled “Surrounded.” This section is narrated by Artemisia’s mother, before she died. She tells Artemisia the true story of Susanna, who wants to be alone to bathe without her ladies in waiting. Her sister, Rebecca, thinks she is spoiled and ungrateful for the lavish life her beauty and rich husband have brought her. Susanna gets annoyed with her and tells her to leave her alone as well. Rebecca is offended at being told to leave like a common servant. Susanna bathes alone.

The verse begins again with Artemisia narrating. She is nervous to be in her studio alone with Agostino Tassi because she finds him handsome. Agostino Tassi tells Artemisia that her father hired him to help her with perspective in her paintings. He has come to town for the Medici's Quirinal Palace commission, and he suspects...