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Period: 476 to 1450
The Middle Ages
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1098
Hildegard von Bingen
"The Universe" Hildegard was a medieval abbess, visionary, and published theological and medical writings, as well as music compositions, during her lifetime. The Book of Divine Works, (1142-52) a manuscript that contains pictures of her visions has one of these visions depicted the universe as an egg. It represents the medieval concern with symbolism and metaphor, as well as the Church's responsibility for women. I selected this image because it reminds me of the reproductive system of a women. -
1130
Herrad von Landsberg
"Wheel of Fortune" Herrad was most famous for the "Hortus Deliciarum" 1167-85, which acted as an encyclopedia of Christian knowledge, history, and allegory. The artwork shows a group of people rising and falling on the wheel based on their fortunes in life. The artwork is a allegory of human life's fleetingness and unpredictability, as well as the role of fate and fortune in molding human destiny. I selected this because it represents society, even today although it is hundreds of years old. -
Period: 1450 to
The Renaissance
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1532
Sofonisba Anguissola
"Self-Portrait at the Easel" 1556 Anguissola art questioned established female roles in Renaissance culture paving the way for future generations of female painters. Her talent as a painter, with her ability to navigate the male-dominated art world of the period, established her as a pioneer of women's art. The painting exemplifies aptitude for capturing human resemblance and expression and focus in showing women as clever and talented individuals. This helped pave the way for women artists. -
Artemisia Gentileschi
"Susanna and the Elders" 1610 Gentileschi is the most celebrated woman artist of her time, most known for her powerful depictions of women in history and myth. Gentileschi's work is distinguished by dramatic intensity and intense emotional expression. She portrays Susanna as a powerful and self-possessed woman, with a muscular and athletic body that contrasts sharply with the lascivious and aging elders. I chose it because its issues of gender, power, and violence are still relevant today. -
Period: to
The 17th Century
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Judith Leyster
“The Proposition” 1631 she was a painter known for her genre scenes, portraits, and still lifes and one of the few women accepted into the esteemed Haarlem Guild of St. Luke. She painted ordinary images of people going about their daily lives showing her talent for capturing light, texture, and emotion. A man is shown leaning toward a woman, making a proposal or having a flirtatious interaction. It shows her command of light and shadow. I chose this because it leaves space for our imagination. -
Clara Peeters
“Game Piece with Poultry” 1611 Peeters was a Flemish Baroque painter who specialized in still-lifes. Her works often included luxurious items that were very detailed. She was one of the few female still life painters of her generation. The feathers, the reflections on the silver, and the folds of the linen are all represented with incredible accuracy with use of light and shadow to add depth and dimension. I chose this because it was different than the artists of the past, creating a new avenue. -
Period: to
The 18th Century
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Angelica Kauffman
"Zeuxis Selecting Models for His Picture of Helen of Troy" 1778. Born to a Swiss ecclesiastical painter and well-known for her portraiture, historical painting, and allegorical topics. She was a founding member of the Royal Academy of Arts and experienced some obstacles as a woman artist. The painting shows a scene from Greek mythology, shows her Neoclassical style, and shows her skill in rendering drapery and textures. I chose this because it shows the women perspective of how men viewed women. -
Adélaïde Labille-Guiard
“Self-Portrait with Two Pupils, Marie Gabrielle Capet and Marie Marguerite Carreaux de Rosemond” 1785. She was a French painter in the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. Her works were mainly portraits that had great detail, delicate brushwork, individuality, and personality. She breaks gender norms by showing herself as a teacher to two female students and her position as a successful female artist in a field dominated by men. I chose this because it breaks the norms that were present. -
Period: to
The 19th Century
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Berthe Morisot
“The Artist’s Daughter Julie with Her Nanny” 1884 She was a French painter and one of the leading ladies of the Impressionist Movement. Her paintings stood out for their delicacy on private themes. She experienced obstacles as a female artist in the 19th century. The painting has a sense of spontaneity due to loose brushwork. She provides a look into the difficulties of parenthood and the tender care given by women. I chose this painting because it's different from the art before it not as clean -
Elizabeth Thompson
“Scotland Forever!” 1881 She was a British artist who focused on portraying battles in the British military. She studied at the Female School of Art in London. Her art depicts the charge of the Royal Scots Greys during the Battle of Waterloo. Her attention to detail made it one of her most famous pieces praised for its composition. I chose this artist because instead of going the feminine route she opted for something that made her stand out from the rest of the self portraits of motherhood. -
Period: to
The 20th Century (America)
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Period: to
The 20th Century (Europe)
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Lee Krasner
"Milkweed" 1955 She was an influential American abstract expressionist painter. She frequently painted while seated on the ground so she could give her complete attention to the canvas and make expansive brushstrokes. She was married to Jackson Pollock, a fellow artist. The art captures her inventive strategy for revising her own older paintings by including them in fresh arrangements. I chose her because of the relationship she had with Pollock and how it inspired her artistry down the line. -
Niki de Saint Phalle (Europe)
“The Nanas” 1965 French-American artist known for sculpture and painting. She won acclaim around the world for her art that explored themes of femininity and liberation. The Nanas question societal ideals of beauty and celebrate the variety and power of women. The title is an informal French phrase for chicks. The sculptures defy ideas of body objectification by embracing the feminine form's innate contours and sensuality. I chose this because it questioned the idea of women as inert objects. -
Faith Ringgold
"Dancing at the Louvre" 1991 She is most known for her narrative quilts that deal with racial and gender issues. She was born during segregation as a Black women in Harlem. Her quilts serve as a form of visual storytelling, her series depicts the lack of representation of Black artists within the art world. It conveys a message of cultural pride and approval. I chose this artist because as a Black women I can relate to the struggles of being accepted not only for my gender but for my skin tone. -
Bridget Riley (Europe)
“Cataract 3” 1967 A British painter known for optical illusions, rose during the 1960s. Contrasting black-and-white patterns or bold, contrasting colors are some of her methods. Her work evokes a feeling of visual rhythm and optical senses with its repetitive patterns. The art evokes a motion of a swirling cataract. It challenges the viewer's sight and produces a dynamic visual experience because of the repeating arrangement of lines. I chose this because it was a new movement in the art world. -
Period: to
The Late 20th Century and 21st Century
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Cindy Sherman
“Untitled” 1979 She is an influential American photographer known for her self portraits based on pop culture. She uses herself as the topic, changing how she looks to take on several personas. Her art conveys an important statement about women's physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cultural role in the society. The image encourages viewers to reconsider their beliefs and biases regarding the functions and feelings of women. I chose her because she is a photographer unlike the rest. -
Kara Walker
"Gone, An Historical Romance of a Civil War as It Occurred Between the Dusky Thighs of One Young Negress and Her Heart" 1994 Her work shows the complexity of American history which also forces audiences to face painful facts about race and power. Her art promotes discussion and attention to the ongoing battles for social justice and racial equality. In her artwork it explores the history of slavery and its lasting impact. I chose this artist because she challenges people to confront the past.