Women Painters of the World: From the Time of Caterina Vigri, 1413-1463, to Rosa Bonheur and the Present Day

In Short

Women Painters of the World is a comprehensive historical survey of women painters from the 15th century to the early 20th century. Edited by Walter Shaw Sparrow, the book profiles over 100 artists, including Caterina Vigri, Rosa Bonheur, Mary Cassatt, and many others. It explores their lives, works, and contributions to the art world, highlighting the challenges they faced in a male-dominated field. The book also examines the evolution of women's roles in art, from early patronage and amateur pursuits to professional recognition and academic achievements. With a focus on both well-known and lesser-known artists, the book offers a rich and diverse perspective on the history of women in art.

The Story

Women Painters of the World begins with an exploration of the early history of women in art, starting with Caterina Vigri in the 15th century. The book highlights the challenges women faced in pursuing art, often limited to amateur status or patronage roles. It discusses the gradual opening of art academies and universities to women, with institutions like the University of Bologna leading the way.

The narrative then shifts to the Renaissance and the emergence of notable women artists like Sofonisba Anguissciola, who gained recognition for her portraits and historical paintings. The book details her life, including her patronage by Philip II of Spain and her marriage to a Sicilian noble. It also mentions other early women artists, such as Lavinia Fontana and Artemisia Gentileschi, who made significant contributions despite societal constraints.

As the book progresses, it examines the 17th and 18th centuries, focusing on artists like Judith Leyster and Rachel Ruysch. It highlights the growing acceptance of women in art academies and their increasing professionalization. The narrative also touches on the challenges women faced, such as restrictions on their membership in academies and the limited opportunities for exhibition and sale of their work.

The 19th century is a major focus, with detailed profiles of artists like Rosa Bonheur, Mary Cassatt, and Berthe Morisot. The book discusses the impact of the Impressionist movement and the role of women within it, highlighting the tensions between traditional academic art and the emerging modernist styles. It also examines the lives and works of British artists like Marianne Stokes and Lucy Kemp-Welch, as well as American artists like Cecilia Beaux.

The book concludes with a look at the early 20th century, profiling contemporary artists and their contributions. It emphasizes the growing recognition of women in the art world and their increasing professional opportunities. The narrative ends with a call for continued support and recognition of women artists, both past and present.

How It Unfolds

Early History and the Renaissance: The book begins by exploring the early history of women in art, starting with Caterina Vigri and the challenges women faced in pursuing art.

The Emergence of Notable Artists: It highlights the lives and works of early women artists like Sofonisba Anguissciola, Lavinia Fontana, and Artemisia Gentileschi.

The 17th and 18th Centuries: The narrative shifts to the growing acceptance of women in art academies and the emergence of artists like Judith Leyster and Rachel Ruysch.

The 19th Century and Impressionism: A major focus is placed on the 19th century, with detailed profiles of artists like Rosa Bonheur, Mary Cassatt, and Berthe Morisot, and the impact of the Impressionist movement.

British and American Artists: The book examines the lives and works of British and American women artists, including Marianne Stokes, Lucy Kemp-Welch, and Cecilia Beaux.

The Early 20th Century: The narrative concludes with a look at contemporary artists and their contributions, emphasizing the growing recognition of women in the art world.

The People

Caterina Vigri (1413-1463): An early Italian artist and nun, Vigri is considered one of the first women painters. Her work, primarily religious in nature, set the stage for future women artists.

Sofonisba Anguissciola (1532-1625): A prominent Italian painter, Anguissciola gained recognition for her portraits and historical paintings. She was a pioneer in the field, overcoming societal barriers to achieve success.

Lavinia Fontana (1552-1614): An Italian painter, Fontana was one of the first women to achieve professional success as an artist. She specialized in portraits and religious paintings.

Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1653): An Italian Baroque painter, Gentileschi is known for her powerful depictions of women and her technical skill. She faced significant challenges, including a notorious trial for rape.

Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899): A French artist, Bonheur is famous for her animal paintings. She broke away from traditional gender roles, wearing men's clothing and studying animal anatomy.

Mary Cassatt (1844-1926): An American painter, Cassatt is known for her depictions of women and children. She was a key figure in the Impressionist movement and a close friend of Edgar Degas.

Berthe Morisot (1841-1895): A French painter, Morisot was a founding member of the Impressionist movement. She is known for her delicate, light-filled paintings of women and children.

Marianne Stokes (1855-1927): A British artist, Stokes specialized in portraits and historical paintings. She was a prominent figure in the late 19th-century art world.

Lucy Kemp-Welch (1869-1958): A British animal painter, Kemp-Welch is known for her depictions of horses. She was a leading figure in the late 19th-century art scene.

Cecilia Beaux (1855-1942): An American painter, Beaux is known for her portraits and figure studies. She was a prominent figure in the early 20th-century art world.

In Its Own Voice

What is genius? Is it not both masculine and feminine? Are not some of its qualities instinct with manhood, while others delight us with the most winning graces of a perfect womanhood? Does not genius make its appeal as a single creative agent with a two-fold sex?

But if genius has its Mirandas and its Regans no less than its infinite types of men, ranging from Prospero and Ferdinand to Caliban and Trinculo, its union of the sexes does not remain always at peace within the sphere of art. Sometimes, in the genius of men, the female characteristics gain mastery over the male qualities; at other times the male attributes of woman's genius win empire and precedence over the female; and whenever these things happen, the works produced in art soon recede from the world's sympathies, losing all their first freshness.

"I could never attain to even one work that I see in my mind's eye, and if I could it would be less than those of the great men of old, whose greatest works have not quelled evil or taught good.... I could not live for art--it would not be what I am put in the world to do. I do not despise art, but I should feel that it was not given for that. Two homes have been given me, and it is to try to do what I can in them that they are given for brief life."

What It's Really About

Women Painters of the World is fundamentally about the struggle for recognition and equality in the art world. It highlights the challenges women artists faced, from societal expectations and limited opportunities to the male-dominated nature of art institutions. The book argues that women's contributions to art have been undervalued and overlooked, and it seeks to rectify this by showcasing the achievements of women painters throughout history.

The book also explores the evolving roles of women in art, from early patronage and amateur pursuits to professional recognition and academic achievements. It examines the impact of historical and cultural contexts on women's artistic careers, including the Renaissance, the Impressionist movement, and the early 20th century.

Ultimately, the book is a call for greater recognition and appreciation of women's contributions to art. It challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about art history and to acknowledge the diverse and significant roles women have played in shaping the artistic landscape.

Why Read It Today

Women Painters of the World offers a fascinating and comprehensive look at the history of women in art. Readers interested in art history, women's studies, or cultural history will find the book engaging and informative. It provides a unique perspective on the challenges and achievements of women artists, shedding light on lesser-known figures and their contributions.

The book's detailed profiles and historical context make it a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of women's roles in art. It highlights the perseverance and talent of women artists who overcame significant obstacles to pursue their passions.

While the book reflects the attitudes and biases of its time, including occasional patronizing language and a focus on women's "feminine" qualities, it remains a important historical document. It provides a window into the past, showing how women artists were perceived and valued in the early 20th century.

Readers should be aware of the book's length and detailed nature, which may require a significant time commitment. However, for those interested in the subject matter, Women Painters of the World is a rewarding and enlightening read. It offers a rich and diverse perspective on the history of women in art, celebrating their achievements and challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about art history.