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1150
Scivias I.6: Humanity and Life by Hildegard von Bingen
In Scivias I.6: Humanity and Life, created around 1150, Hildegard von Bingen presents a symbolic vision of humanity’s place in the universe. Hildegard von Bingen was an abbess, artist, and scientist. The central image features a nude woman, representing humanity, surrounded by flames, stars, and cosmic shapes. I was drawn to this image because of the colors and shape. -
1167
Birth of Christ by Herrad of Landsberg
Herrad was an abbess who created the manuscript as an educational tool for nuns, she was also an artist. In her 12th-century illustration The Birth of Christ, Herrad of Landsberg presents a version of the Nativity that centers Mary in a way that subtly reflects feminist ideas. Although the image follows the typical Romanesque style, flat figures, bold lines, and symbolic composition, it stands out because Mary is shown as dignified and central. This image stood out because of its use of color. -
1555
The Game of Chess by Sofonisba Anguissola
Sofonisba Anguissola was an Italian painter and one of the first well-known women artists in Europe. This painting shows three of her younger sisters playing chess while a woman watches. The painting feels natural and relaxed, not stiff or overly posed like in many other paintings from that time. Anguissola painted this to show that women could be intelligent, playful, and worthy of attention. I selected this artwork because the sisterly bond and competition reminded me of my sisters. -
The Concert by Judith Leyster
Judith Leyster was a Dutch Golden Age painter. The Concert shows three musicians, two men playing instruments and a woman singing, seated close together, smiling and clearly enjoying each other’s company. The scene feels lively and warm, and Leyster paints the figures with realistic lighting and detail, especially in their facial expressions and clothing. I selected this painting because the joy on each individual's face is timeless. -
Artemisia Gentileschi's Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting (La Pittura)
Artemisia Gentileschi, a 17th-century Italian painter, was trained under her father, Orazio. After surviving a rape and public trial involving Agostino Tassi, she channeled her strength into art. Her Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting presents her as the embodiment of painting, asserting women's talent and agency. Using oil on canvas, she highlights her features with light and color, challenging male dominance in art and claiming her place as a successful woman artist. -
Portrait of a Lady created by Mary Beale
Mary Beale, a 17th-century English painter, was largely self-taught and influenced by Sir Peter Lely. She ran a successful portrait studio with her husband, rare for a woman in a male-dominated field. In her 1680 Portrait of a Woman, Beale uses soft tones and a muted background to highlight the subject’s features, portraying her as dignified and strong. Though likely a commission, the work subtly challenges gender roles of the time. -
Self-Portrait with Monocle, created by Anna Dorothea Therbusch
Anna Dorothea Therbusch was an 18th-century artist who began her career at 40 after raising children and learning art from her father. In Self-Portrait with Monocle, she paints herself confidently, holding a monocle, a symbol of intelligence usually linked to men. The dark background highlights her thoughtful expression. This portrait challenges gender roles, showing women as smart, capable, and deserving of recognition beyond traditional expectations. -
Self-Portrait of the Artist Hesitating Between the Arts of Music and Painting, created by Angelica Kauffman
Angelica Kauffman (1741–1807) was a Swiss artist who learned art from her father and became a founder of the Royal Academy of Arts. In her 1794 painting Self-Portrait of the Artist Hesitating Between the Arts of Music and Painting, she shows herself choosing between two passions—music and painting. The elegant, symbolic scene reflects her inner struggle and ultimate choice. The painting sends a powerful message about women having the freedom to follow their own path.