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1152
Hildegard of Bingen
Scivias by Hildegard of Bingen, a nun who lived from 1098 to 1179. Her work shows the strong religious beliefs of the Middle Ages. Line and color are key in this work. During Hildegard’s time, men were in charge of most spaces. Still, she found a way to share her voice. I chose this piece because of the contrasting colors and how It reminded me of a tapestry. Scivias is important because it shows that even when women had few rights, some still found ways to create powerful art. -
Lavinia Fontana
Marriage Portrait of a Bolognese Noblewoman (1589) Lavinia Fontana: one of the first professional female artists. Portrait of a Noblewoman reflects The Middle Ages because of the focus on wealth/status. The painting uses dark background colors and contrasting light skin tones. This shows how women only became painters if their father was, which was the case with Lavinia Fontana. I selected this artwork because I found it to be beautiful with the detailed jewelry, and patterns in the fabric. -
Fede Galizia
Fede Galizia - Italian painter. She was trained by her father and known for her still life paintings and portraits. The painting shows Judith after she kills the enemy Holofernes. Galizia does not focus on the violence. Instead, Judith is calm and composed. She wears rich clothing and jewelry, and her face is peaceful. She holds the sword in one hand and the severed head in the other. The focus is on bravery and quiet strength. This version shows that women can be brave smart and in control. -
Artemisia Gentileschi
Artemisia Gentileschi famous for her female subjects. This piece is feminist because Artemisia is claiming her power. She is saying that she is painting itself. In a world where women were often seen as weak, she shows herself as talented and strong. By painting herself this way, Artemisia challenges the idea that only men can be great artists. Artemisia’s work speaks to women’s strength, creativity, and worth. She shows that women can be leaders in art and in life. -
Mary Beale
Mary Beale (1633–1699) was one of the first professional female artists in England. She was known for her portraitures. Her husband supported her career, and helped her run a successful studio. In her Self-Portrait (1666), Beale gazes directly at the viewer with calm confidence. The composition uses soft lighting, a dark background, and brings the viewers eyes directed to Beale. The work is subtly feminist. Beale portrays herself not as a decorative object but as a creator and professional. -
Maria Sibylla Merian
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717) was a German naturalist and artist. Metamorphosis of a Small Emperor Moth (1679) is a watercolor illustration that shows the full life cycle of the moth surrounding a host plant. Merian challenged gender roles by working as a published researcher in a male-dominated field. Her work breaks norms by placing a woman at the center of scientific knowledge production. Her art shows that women could also observe, think, and contribute meaningfully to science and culture -
Anne Vallayer-Coster
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Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun
