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Period: 1000 to 1200
Week 1- The Middle Ages
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1070
Ælfgyva and a Cleric – Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century embroidered cloth, was likely sewn by women. In one scene, a woman named Ælfgyva appears in an arched frame being touched by a cleric. Her identity and the scene’s meaning remain debated.
She stands as a symbolic mystery in a male-centered narrative, reflecting both the presence and marginalization of women in medieval storytelling. The tapestry shows that women were part of the historical moment—even if ambiguously portrayed. -
1150
Vision of the Universe
Hildegard von Bingen was a 12th-century German abbess, visionary, composer, and artist. She created illuminated manuscripts as part of her religious visions, including Scivias.
In “Vision of the Universe,” Hildegard portrays concentric circles of divine order using bold colors and symbolic forms. The image reflects her unique theological insights and asserts spiritual authority in a time when women were rarely recognized as intellectual or artistic leaders. -
Women Artists and the Rise of Still-Life Painting
In the 17th-century Dutch Republic, women artists gained more visibility through still-life painting. Because they were often excluded from formal training in anatomy, they focused on subjects that required observation and technical skill rather than figure drawing. The Protestant culture of Holland reduced the demand for religious art, allowing secular works like still-lifes and genre scenes to thrive in the open market. -
Phryne before the Areopagus, by Jean-Léon Gérôme
Phryne before the Areopagus depicts the Greek courtesan Phryne being unveiled in court. The painting is highly detailed, with classical architecture framing the central figure of Phryne, her nudity bathed in light while male judges remain in shadow. Though technically masterful, the painting reinforces the objectification of women, using her body as a moral and erotic spectacle. -
The Cradle by Berthe Morisot
In The Cradle, Morisot captures an intimate scene of her sister watching over her newborn. Using soft brushwork and pale, light-filled tones, she creates a tender, contemplative atmosphere. The delicate veil over the cradle symbolizes both protection and the quiet emotional labor of motherhood. It is a compelling example of how female artists turned the domestic space into a site of artistic innovation. -
Period: to
Week 4 - The 19th Century