Onorata Rodiana, born in Castelleone, IT in 1403, was one of the few professionally paid female fresco painters during her time. She worked in the homes of the wealthy, in palaces, and in religious institutions.
She is known for two incidents which contributed to her fame beyond her art. Both involved her ferocity and determination to be a woman of her own heart, mind and beliefs. While working on a fresco for Gabrino Fondolo, a courtier attempted to rape her. She killed him with a knife rather than allow him to dishonor her sexually, and was tried and acquitted for the crime of murder. Upon her release, she went to work as a soldier, taking up the dress and mannerisms of male soldiers whom she was surrounded by. She was killed in 1452 during a battle with the Republic of Venice after serving with honor for years with various campaigns in defense of her hometown.
