Faith Buenaventura

Art and Women

Professor Cacoilo

Post 3: Modernism

As society started to change, women started to positively impact our nation by finally receiving the tools and resources they needed to prosper. On August 26, 1920 women were finally granted the right to vote under the 19th amendment. With this newborn independence, women were set out to conquer the world by using their art to spread their message. Breaking away from the Victorian England and impressionist influence, modernism gave rise to this newly born freedom. “In Western art, movements and ‘isms’ appeared, one after the other: impressionism, postimpressionism, fauvism, cubism, futurism, constructivism, dada-ism, surrealism, expressionism, abstract expressionism, etc. put them all together what do we get? Modernism” (Guerrilla Girls 59). Modernism became a sense of experimentation where artists would create ideas in a more profound abstract way in order to capture the different functions of art and life. For example, Sonia Delaunay expressed her pieces by using different forms of shapes, sizes, and colors as her own version of modernism. “ Delaunay soon became firmly convinced that modernity could best be expressed through a dynamic interplay of color harmonies and dissonances which replicated the rhythms of modern urban life” (Chadwick 262). It wasn’t until the 1950s that Delaunay started to focus on herself and her artwork for she was said to lead three different lives. She mainly lived for her husband and son/grandchildren but rarely lived for herself. She remains one of the most famous artists of the modernist movement where her artistic capabilities of vibrant colors and shapes soon gave way to the birth of other movements.

Sonia Delaunay and her use of modernism( introduction to modernism and the work Delaunay would do)
http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/rhythm_colour_no._1076_1939.jpg

Another cultural movement in the early 20th century was dadaism. Dadaism was a form of art that ridiculed society in terms of their cultural, political, and social values. Hannah Hoch, known for her use of photomontages from the media by often criticizing gender issues and the German government, believed that women should not be confided to the small space men display them in. Women should be free to do what they want, wear what they want, and be whoever they wanted. The photomontages were used to dismantle what the “new women” should be in Germany. “Many of the collaged figures in her earliest photomontages were caricatures of ‘the new women,’ the German media’s glorification of the independent, modern female, free to smoke, wear sexy clothes, vote, and work” (Guerrilla Girls 66).  Her aim was to reveal how differences in structure existed between men and women on their social roles. For example, in her work, The Kitchen Knife Cuts Through Germany’s First Weimar Beer Belly Culture, she depicts the political and social issues of the German government where males dominated the republic but were still in political chaos post war.

Hanna Hoch, The Knife Cuts Through Germany's First Weimar Beer Belly Culture (explaining the social issues of the german government)
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/1f/9d/86/1f9d866872b5fb8e5f79b73211d9818f.jpg

Abstractionism also gave rise in the 20th century along with german expressionism as well. Abstractionism, being closely tied to the influences of modernism, is the use of line, shape, color, and form in order to capture a sense of independence in reference to the world. Mainly used in paintings and sculptures, abstract art would distort images and use vivid colors as reference to the extended impressionism/modernism movement. Pablo Picasso is one of the most significant artists in the abstract industry. His use of color  and shape carved the way to a new notion of art known as cubism. German expressionism however, was the use of blocks of color, heavy black outlines and surface plane in order to capture the beauty of each piece. Munter’s work in Portrait of Marianne von Werefkin depicts just that. New art from the expressionism and abstractionism movement gave way for new art and even more decorative.

Pablo Picasso, Abstractionism work (distorted, vivd use of color in abstrationism)
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/06/37/9b/06379b2ed6130eb556b92acfdd2dd992.jpg

Munter,  Portrait of Marianne von Werefkin (depicting the use of black bold lines on a surface plane) http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tyk2yoqzVkE/TDzTSvoyHVI/AAAAAAAAA1o/2pIghc7Lglw/s1600/z.jpg

Surrealism was another form of art that was used to express the deeply rooted emotions artists felt about their lives, society, or even an individual. It unlocked the power of imagination and bridged the gap between the conscious and unconscious mind. Frida Kahlo, a famous Mexican painter, is highly known for her work on self portraits. However, it was not your ordinary paintings. After a terrifying car accident that nearly killed her, she used that time of recovery and healing to express how she felt. In her work Henry Ford Hospital, she paints herself in a hospital bed reliving the moment that nearly caused her death. You see images of the reproductive system, her pelvis, and even blood displayed on her and the bed. It was a reminder to her how she is not able to engage in certain activities or have the blessing to be able to reproduce. She expressed her feelings through her artwork in order to survive.

Frida Kahlo, Henry Ford Hospital (capturing the horrific events and aftermath of her accident)
https://uploads6.wikiart.org/images/magdalena-carmen-frieda-kahlo-y-calder%C3%B3n-de-rivera/henry-ford-hospital-the-flying-bed-1932.jpg

In conclusion, it was through emotions, beliefs, influence, and experimentation that enabled the growth of each cultural movement. Although each movement had its own influence on one another, they all depict a separate story that influences artists all over the world.

Work Cited

Chadwick, Whitney. Women, Art, and Society. London: Thames & Hudson, 2007. Print.

"CLARA." CLARA. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Feb. 2017.

 "Frida Kahlo." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, 29 Nov. 2016. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.

Girls, Guerrilla. The Guerrilla Girls' Beside Companion To The History of Western Art. Harmondsworth, Middlesex, England: Penguin, 1998. Print.

 LLC, Thalo. "20th Century Art Movements: Surrealism." ThaloConnect. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.

Post 2: The Roles of Women

Change can be so significant when it comes to gender roles throughout history.  Throughout time it can be seen how the roles of change between genders especially with the involvement of women.  This perception of genders roles have been proven not to be permanent and can be viewed through the compare and contrast of lifestyles from the different times of eras. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Reinsurance and into the 19th century.

The early roles for women in the Middle's Age society is way different from today's modern time.  Women's roles in the middle ages can be seen almost in comparison to a servant, towards her husband needs and wants.  In the middle ages, it was suggested that women should not take a big roles in choices and have a voice of opinion.  Most women were viewed to keep domesticated areas of her household in check.  Women were not viewed to leave their home for work purposes; family care should come first for them.  Due to these restrictions, it left men to be seen as "bread-maker" and leader of their household by popular culture of the time.  As stated from "The Guerilla Girls' Bedside Companion To The History of Western Art", "It was a courageous act for a woman to be an outspoken intellectual in an era when females were thought to be morally inferior and incapable of reason or logic".(The Guerilla Girls 23)  Therefore, it was hard for women to advance with their interests of art, but there were some females able to gain success. Interesting Timeline of the Few Middle Ages Women Rulers

"The Bricklayers", From The City of Ladies,

A piece by Christine De Pizan to show symbolize the 'bravest, strongest, most virtuous women from history.'  These women signifying reason, rectitude and justice.

From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance period time, women's roles began to build and improve slowly.  Women began to have the privilege to work and study outside of their homes.  As women became more independent during this time period, their stories of horror were brought to attention.  It was a significant time period because women artists were able to bring their horrific stories through their creations of art pieces, especially in their paintings.

Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Slaying Holofernes,C. 1620

  

This artwork shows the story of women taking control.  It symbolizes that women are capable more than people would think.  Many people first thoughts is how could a woman not bear to look away when committing such a powerful, and wrongful act.

Some interesting things that were stated about, "What a woman was allowed to do in the Renaissance:

• "She could divorce her husband only if she could prove him impotent
• She could savage her reputation by marring any man who raped her.
• She could attend or teach in a university if she moved to Bologna
• She could get a legal abortion sanctioned by the catholic church, but the primitive procedure could kill her
• She could wear underwear only if she was an aristocrat. A prostitute. An actress. Or a window washer."

(The Guerilla Girls 32) 


Finally into the 19th century, women's roles in society began to be somewhat acceptable in society.  Women during this time was still looked past their skills and knowledge due their gender difference.

Some interesting things that were stated about, "If you were a 19th century Girl...."

• You could be used to symbolize Democracy-E.G., The Statue of Liberty-But you weren't allowed to vote.
• You could not be the legal guardian of your own children or hold a job without your husband's permission.
• In France, your husband could divorce you if you gave him syphilis.  But you couldn't divorce him if he gave it to you.
• You could finally become a practicing lawyer or doctor, but surviving law or med school was like surviving citadel today.

(The Guerilla Girls 52)

During the 19th century, women artists still faced challenges to getting their artwork appreciated by society.  This was because of gender still playing a role in recognition.  As The Guerilla Girls state, "Women who became artists-like Mary Cassatt, Rosa Bonheur and Edmonia Lewis- had to fight to be taken seriously.  They were success stories, managing to live as they chose (often by traveling as far from home as they could).  Although, women artists faced challenges in these times, it should be taook into consideration the dedication and hardships women went through just to make sure that they got to prove their message of that 'yes women can have the talents and skills it takes to succeed' and that men should watch out for what time can offer.



 Another Interesting Timeline of Women Rulers of 19th Century

Professor Cacoilo Group 5 Presentation 21 March 2017 The Twentieth century was the beginning of time where women were on track to becoming independent. In addition to movements such as post-impressionism, futurism, and expressionism, all resulted to modernism. In this era many women attempted to express themselves through art, retiring from their day jobs, embracing their career path as women artists, although it was frowned upon by critics because it was always believed men were the only and best artists in the culture. In addition to the woman expressing their talent through art, they were exploring their sexuality, and the idea of homosexuality and heterosexuality is brought to light for one of the first times in history. These Women also painted in a manner to show their social status and to show how wealthy they are as a means of defining self-identity. This was illustrated through painting abstractly with vivid color, prints, and shapes. This new beginning of freedom for women not only created more women artists but granted their right to vote.

Roles of Women in the Middle Ages

    Roles of men and women varied during the middle ages. In Europe, gender roles were strictly divided. Other factors played a part such as if you were in the working class, middle class or higher class. Generally, women during different financial situations went through the same struggles and responsibilities. Throughout the renaissance and through the nineteenth century, gender roles started to change and develop. Regarding art, women were challenged in their capability to produce any paintings, sculptures or even photographs. Women progressively overcame obstacles in their way and became well known artists and even got paid for their work.

Edith Hayllar, Feeding the Swans. This painting shows the expected roles
of women from a child all the way up to being a widow. 

    Females had an expectation for them. This expectation was set by their family and the public. During the nineteenth century, women got married very young. They were expected to “become available” the day they hit puberty. This can be as young as twelve years old. Having children was a requirement. The mother was to stay home and take care of her children and she was responsible for all outcomes children related. On top of that, she had to take care of the home and her husband. Women were not able to get an education. Depending on your social class, you may learn how to read but most families did not have that privilege. Women did not have the right to earn an education or attend many social activities. Their lives were solely dedicated to their family and their home.
    Throughout the renaissance and the nineteenth century, women continued to challenge the social norms of the time. It was harder on some women than others. When it came to art, restrictions such as not being allowed to paint the male nude was in effect. It was unjust because the male painter was allowed to paint the female nude. Rules were also very strict when it came to where a women can paint. They were not allowed to go to guilds, however, if a woman was born in a rich family or a family with artistic backgrounds, the teaching of art was present. For example, Rosa Bonheur was a well known painter. Her father owned an art school and thus taught her how to draw and paint.

Rosa Bonheue, The Horse Fair. A masculine drawing by a female really caught the attention of viewers.  

    Not everyone was as lucky as Bonheur. Some women who were born in artistic families were not as known. In some cases, a male figure in the woman’s life would take credit for the art she produces. For example, Maria Robusti helped her father, Jacob Tintoretto, produce art in his studio as she dressed as a boy. She was very talented. After she got married, she  died at the age of thirty due to childbirth and since then, her ‘father’s artwork’ stopped being produced. Some thought he was too depressed to keep painting. However, according to the “Guerilla Girls”, her father took all the credit for all her paintings, therefore, when she died, he was no longer able to be credited for any more artwork.
   

Edmonia Lewis, Forever Free

Being a woman during the renaissance and throughout the nineteenth century was hard enough. Being an African American woman made it even harder. Other struggles arose such as being illiterate or even being a slave. African American female artists were not taken seriously. Some however, were very passionate and determined to have their voices heard and artwork seen. For instance, Edmonia Lewis was an African American sculpture. Her college life was difficult due to multiple accusations of theft and even murder. Luckily for her she had support from an amazing lawyer which helped her get through her cases safely. She was inspired and created sculptures about slavery. She took a skill which was essentially for men at that time, and made it her own.
    Other African American women such as Harriet Powers were underestimated. Her quilt was bought for five dollars and then entered an exposition where it caught the attention of the public. It then raised commission because viewers wanted Powers to produce more. Women everywhere during this time were not taken seriously and were underestimated. They were degraded simply because they were female. It was difficult for a woman to receive full credit for her artwork. However, that did not stop many females during this time to make their work seen and known. By the nineteenth century, many women were inspired to be strong individuals and carry on their own interest. Painting led to sculpting which then led to photography. Women are now pursuing the artwork they have always wanted.
 


 

Post 2

Rana Yassa
Prof. Cacoilo


The Roles of Women;

Women's roles changed throughout each century and each time period. Men and women were born equally, although women were born after men that doesn't mean they are less important or less valuable. So why women faced so many discrimination through ages? Why were women put in a lower position and perception than they really deserve?

In the Middle Ages women weren't expected to word, to be heard, to have a voice, or to be responsible about anything but her household and her husband. In these ages women were forced into any and everything.  Women artists didn't really have place during this time, but they were a few. For example Herrard of Landsberg , Scivas, and Christin De Pizan.

Hortus Deliciarum Drawing was about naming and drawing women including herself. As stated "The subjects of the Hortus Deliciarum come from a long tradition in Western and Byzantine art, but their fresh and spontaneous treatment, and the author's close attention to the costumes, life and manners of her age, have made the work a unique and valuable source for our understanding of life at the time" (Chadwick 58). Her work is remarkable due to the fact that she lists women's names which wasn't really known or done back then.
Also in Guerrilla Girls,
" what women who weren't nuns could and couldn't do in the Middle ages guerrilla girls:
-women were usually engaged to be married at the age of 12, and were married by 15. If an engaged girl married another man, she could be killed.

- A woman was required to be faithful to her husband, and adultery could be punished by flogging or being buried alive. Husbands were allowed to commit adultery, unless it was with another man's wife.

- Education was thought to interfere with a woman's ability to be a good wife and mother. Almost no woman were taught to read or write" (Guerrilla Girls 22). This is a closer image on what women were treated, and what was expected from them in return they had no expectations allowed except of a husband and not necessary a faithful one just a man, and children for her to raise and be there maid.

In the Renaissance, things changed a little for women artists. More women started to paint but also more women were attacked and more women were raped and taken their rights away from them. One of the most known artists by that time is Artemisia Gentileschi, who was the daughter of Orazio Gentlischi and she was one known for her women's attorney.





 Orazio Gentlischi, Judith and her Maidservant, 1610.

That was one painting by Artemesia's father, that told the biblical story of Judith killing the king. Oarzio pictured the story for the women to be the weak object, confused and scared. Also picturing the dead man's head as the most important thing in the picture, even when he is dead and killed by two women. He is picturing as if they were mentally ill and after what they did they were hit by confusion.

Although Artemisia draws the same painting with the same title but giving the women a totally different role and position.

   Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith and her Maidservant, 1618.

The woman is holding the sword tight, hiding the man's head and ready to run for their lives. Artemisia puts these two women in a powerful position where they are the ones in control for their actions and they are ready to be responsible for what they have done. They are not scared in the painting or afraid or confused or seem mentally ill.

Artemisia like many other girls at that time was raped by a man who was working at her dad's store. She was tortured by the judges for them to make sure that she was not lying about her rape incident, and even after they were sure they gave him very little punishment and he even later came back to work at her father's.

Women were treated really badly at this time like the middle ages, but what changed is that women started to express themselves, started to show emotions and show how capable and powerful they are.

Another image Artimisia fought against, was the idea of always women are the one to blame and she is the one mistaken all the time.

      Artemisia Gentileschi, Susanna and the Elders, 1610

   
                                 

Tintoretto, Susanna and the Elders, 1555

Susanna and the Elders is also a known biblical story. Susanna and the Elders is an old painting that was drawn by Tintoretto first in 1555. And then years later Artemisia drew the same painting but from a women's prespective. Tintoretto drew the painting claiming that it was the women's fault that she was raped, the fact that he drew her bathing in front of a mirror looking at herself and not paying attention to outsiders and how 'she was asking for it', which if someone thinks about it its okay for a woman to shower in front of a mirror or love her body, but he used it to grab the attention on how unfocused and distracted she was. While Artemisia on the other hand drew the same painting but throwing the blame on the Elders. She pictured them forcing her and she tried to resist but they won't let her go.

  Lilly Martin Spencer, We Both Must Fade, 1869

Another painting a little later in the 19C. A painting that doesn't show much difference in the women's way of being treated although shows a more detailed kind of art. The women in the picture is somehow pictured as being forced maybe in an engagement or something else. But the painting still doesn't show women being freed or having the ability to say no.

Through all these ages, women were treated badly, either by their family or their husbands. Even today in 2017 many women are still raped, forced into marriages, never heard, taken away their rights, and even violently attacked. These artists knew no other way to fight for themselves or express their feelings and words other than drawing, and I am sure many other women had other ways that they showed their struggle with. Women should see their history, and know that women have fought for too long and that they must continue on fighting until they reach equality with the males.

Girls , Guerilla . The Guerrilla Girls' Bedside Companion to the History of Western Art . NY : Penguin Group , 1998 . Print.

Chadwick, Whitney. Women, art, and society. London: Thames & Hudson, 2007. Print.

Karima Nasr Professor Cacoilo Post 2 3-7-17 Women in Europe during the middle ages were expected to obey their husband and aid him in his business. If a woman was not married, she was ought to find a husband soon because “women were usually engaged to be married at age 12, and were married by 15”(Guerrilla Girls 22). In addition to men having the right hand over women, the Catholic Church dominated the era as a whole, “Whether laboring in the service of God or for daily subsistence, the lives of most medieval men and women were organized around work”(Chadwick). Many women became nuns which is a great opportunity for them to upgrade their work life.This is because nuns specifically were allowed to be involved in projects and hold some leadership positions. This segued into women becoming artisans and eventually artists. These roles influenced the lives of women artists in both a negative and positive manner. Negatively, because women were stigmatized to stay at home and take care of kids; but this created rebellious women which are the women that change society. These rebellious women used art as a form of self-expression and to spread awareness. Specifically, these artists created art to make political statements such as on slavery or women's suffrage. For example, Christine De Pizan, Christine De Pizan in her Study, from The City of Ladies, 1405. This painting was made to show that intelligent and talented women gather to exchange ideas in the study. This setting, in which only women are sitting together is significant because it challenges the norm of when it would only be men sitting together in an intellectual setting. Although this painting was empowering, women continued to face struggles. For example, in Lilly Martin Spencer's, War Spirit at Home, 1866 shows that women had to remain positive and continue to take care of their kids through the struggle of not having the father around, which was the foundation of running the household. This put women in a leadership position in which they were never in before. The Renaissance era evoked more aggression in women to be independent. The idea that women have been victimized of rape has been brought to light. For example, artist Artemisia Gentileschi created the painting Susana and The Elders 1610 as a counter-statement against Tintoretto's Susanna and The Elders 1555. Tintoretto's painting illustrated that it was the woman's fault for getting raped because she looked available. Gentileschi twisted this to reveal the reality, by illustrating a painting with men in the action of attacking the women. This reveals that the women is indeed not available and is in no way appealing to be raped. Soon after this, artist Elisabetta Sirianni founded Bologna University which was the first women's school of art in Italy. This was a huge upgrade for women because women were not appreciated or considered for their work simply because they are women. These women have overcome their struggles as artists to be and referenced it through their work. Post Civil War, the need for women to overcome their struggles grew stronger. For example, Alice Barber Stephens, 1878, with her illustration called The Female Life Class; here she represents the overcoming of women's independence with showing women learning art in a class together. This is significant because women's rights were limited and this is the beginning of women's approach to professional freedom. "Church in the Middle Ages: from dedication to dissent." The British Library. The British Library, 17 Jan. 2014. Web. 09 Mar. 2017. "Renaissance Women." Renaissance Women: Their New Role in Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2017.

The Roles of Women throughout European History

Tiffany Saxton

Women and Art

3-8-2017

The Roles of Women throughout European History

The woman’s role during the Middle Ages were inferior to their husband and or male figure around the woman and her labor in a patriarchal society.  The woman had to remain domestic due to religious beliefs that the women had to obey her husbands and the church.  Chadwick states, “…a number of power upper-class women at a time when most other women were restricted to the home and economically dependent on fathers, husbands, brothers, or sovereigns” (44).  Women that were considered peasants were not close to being equal with the men; however, the upper-class women had a slight chance of having access to education Bible, something other than the religious teachings.  The Guerilla Girls mentions, “Many of these artists were women, either working in businesses owned by male family members or living as nuns in convents”.  Many women contributed to art; however, their names were not mentioned on major sculptures, paintings etc.  Chadwick mentions, “…for few of them signed their names and the preservation of their individual biographies had no role to play in their productions” (43).  Women were even ignored in scholar book as Guerilla Girls indicates, “One scholarly book on the tapestry goes on and on about its historical and formal sources, but completely ignores the women who executed it” (21).  By highlighting the males, dismisses the women intellectual capabilities and credits men for women work.  Women were encouraged to fight for ownership and rights in the feudal system and the differences were through embroidery while remaining true to the church.  Chadwick writes, “While on the one hand, woman was suspect as sexual threats to male chastity, on the other, spiritual commonality rather than gender differentiation was the ideal of the Benedictine Rule and hence of monasticism” (45).  The church had control teaching men giving them power, but not the same powers were issued to women leaving women wanting more in society and art. 

Female objectification

https://edphoto2.wordpress.com/author/edphoto2/page/2/Men had power over women...seen here in the portrait of male gaze women objectifying themselves in order to please the male spectator.

The roles for women changed throughout the Renaissance and into the 19^th century by being shunned and discredited in Europe, to becoming appreciated and able to make a living in the economic world as well as being domesticated to the household in America.  Chadwick explains, “Women quickly used their skills in needlework to connect the domestic sphere and the public world of collective social action” (207).  Women fought to be respected and became feminists that fought for abolition of slavery, temperance, and universal suffrage in America because doing so Europe was unheard of in the 19^th century.  Inventions of the camera as well as the usage of the railroad system, women lived life on their terms like Rosa Bonheur even cross dressing for success to get ahead in the artistic world.  Guerilla Girls explains, “She made a life of her own, one far more unconventional than those of her contemporaries, the aesthetically-radical-but-socially-bourgeois Impressionists” (48).  Rosa Bonheur encouraged woman to be brave like other artists such as Mary Cassat, which they both were sculptors and amazing painters; their art is in museums in New York and worked alongside the male greats as well.  Chadwick writes, “One of Power’s two well-known quilts (both now in American museum collections) was purchased after its exhibition at a Cotton Fair in 1886 by Jennie Smith …” (210). 

The needle printhttp://needleprint.blogspot.com/2014/04/free-jigsaw-download-harriet-powers.htmlHarrit powers quilts that made it into the museum.

Women were empowered and demand equal rights in America and other women started to demand the same as well through social interactions.  Edmonia Lewis was an African American artist that endured so much in America, due to racism she left to go to Rome later to known for The Death of Cleopatra.  Guerilla Girls states, “In Rome, she learned to work in the then fashionable neoclassical style.  She was taken under the wing of a group of well to do American women artists, writers, and intellectuals many of them lesbians.  Among them were several marble sculptors, including Harriet Hosmer and Anne Whitney, who were very successful.  They were the first all-female art movement a girls’ club” (51). She proved black women had it in them to become a successful artist by taking her artwork back to America to become major in the artistic world of sculpturing.   Death of Cleopatra ...Edmonia Lewis sculpture that made her worthy of a artist in America.  Women were united and became huge names in the artistic world even though historical artists such as most men tried to discredit and or leave them out their work continues to speak for itself in major museums, Centennial Exhibitions, and Smithsonian.  Woman have been continuing to make their way in the artistic world, intellectual world and domestically by proving that you can overcome many obstacles in a patriarchal society.  Making a change through art historically, women accomplished more through feminism of solidarity by never giving up, also by maintaining their faith, women continue to prove that their equal and at times better realistically. 

Post 2

Bianca Lopes
Art and Women
March 7th, 2017

Middle Ages:

The role of women in the Middle Ages depended on the moral rules and regulations set before the fall of the Roman Catholic Church. Women of all classes, occupations and social status were considered to be inferior to their male counterpart in the world of Ancient Greece.

The role of women in the Middle Ages remained largely related to the private, domesticated sphere of the family. She was responsible for maintaining the class and grace of the family by upholding a virtuous reputation. Sexism and patriarchy stabilized radical prejudice and ideals towards the role of women in society.

"Art in the Middle Ages became a didactic tool of the Church." (Guerilla Girls, Page 19)

Women were deprived of duties and occupations within the public sphere because they were still considered inferior due to their innate sexual structure. They were expected to grow up in preparation for marriage and reproduction because it was considered their sole purpose. Patriarchy designed sexism as a beneficial function for every male in society by utilizing women for reproduction, marriage, housekeeping, and organizing tasks.

Women were "freed" by covenants and guilds because they were not subjected to the moral majority's idea of the female role in society. The covenants and guilds created a channel for women who did not want to participate in the moral majority’s idea of the female role within the class structure. Women maintained passive roles that sustained household duties within their supported clerical and organizational tasks. Specialized guilds sparked various intrigue among sewing and embroidery within the female population.

The Sin of Wages (Guerilla Girls, Page 21):

“In 12^th Century England, men were embroiderers too, and naturally, they got paid more: women earned only 83 percent of what men earned per day. Believe it or not, this was better than it is today in the U.S: women average less than 70 cents for every dollar earned by men.”  

Herrad of Landsberg, Hortus Deliciarum, 1170

Renaissance:

The Renaissance began in Italy in 1375 but continued until 1660.

Women were barred from art guilds and academies because they were still considered inferior to their male counterparts. Sofonisba Anguissola and Artemisia Gentileschi were granted better opportunities to fulfill their creative desires because of who their male caregivers were.  Having a father who was a painter, gave the females the ability to deter from the framework of the common female role during the Renaissance.

Bologna, Italy:

There were more female artists in Bologna than in any part of Italy during the Renaissance. In the beginning of the 13^th century, women who had the privilege to work and lecture at the University in Bologna were able to apply their acquired education to independent creative projects. i.e. Elisabetta Siriani, Caterina Vigri (Saint Catherine of Bologna)

Elisabetta Siriani, Portia Wounding Her Thigh, 1664 

Artemisia Gentileschi used her artwork to portray the difficulties women faced against the “Renaissance Man.” The concept of ‘the Renaissance Man’ was engulfed by the following ideals:

•         Considered the seduction of a virgin a horrible crime, but the rape of a widow no big deal.
•         Women were destructive to the creative process
•         Thought it would be dangerous for women to learn to read or write

(Guerilla Girls, Page 31)

Artemisia Gentileschi’s past influenced many of her primary works. She completely reversed Tintoretto’s Susanna and the Elders in order to shift the painting into a more awkward and uncomfortable (real) setting. She depicted these real life scenarios and circumstances that women dealt with at the expense of the Renaissance Man, aka patriarchy. Men were fearful of women excelling academically and creatively in the public sphere because it was considered beyond the responsibilities of their gender role.

Tintoretto, Susanna and the Elders 1555

Artemisia Gentileschi, Susanna and the Elders, 1610

17^th and 18^th Century

Painters like Judith Leyster and Rachel Ruysch depicted delicacy and elegance of the female role in both the private and public sphere. A Woman Sewing by Candlelight showcases a woman in her leisure at home, sewing lace.

The Victorian Era and the 19^th Century redefined the subjects of female painters. Women were painting historical and agricultural settings not typically associated with femininity. Rosa Bonheur’s most famous paintings are related to animals and agriculture. Rather than painting the typical scenes and landscapes attributed to femininity, she painted her interests outside of the private sphere. Edith Haylar painted Feeding the Swans in 1889 to exemplify the stages of life endured by the average Victorian female. She uses the grandmother widow engaging with the mother and her newborn child at the top of the stairs to show the beginning of the woman’s purpose and the end. She bears the delicate, nurturing role throughout each stage of her life. The young lady on the stairs feeding the swans with her older sister is being taught proper etiquette. 

Edith Haylar, Feeding the Swans, 1889

Lily Martin Spencer uses War Spirit at Home to develop the female’s role within her realm of responsibilities in the private sphere. The mother is seen reading a newspaper during a time that primarily looked down on women educating themselves.

Post U.S Civil War, women were expected to take on new responsibilities and occupations both agricultural and non-agricultural. Widowed by their husbands and male counterparts from the war – women were forced to become the head of the household. The Feminist Movement began in France in 1866 and extinguished the ideal female role of delicate norms and standards. Appropriation and elegance were no longer binding women to specific duties and conservation. Female painters, sculptors and artists alike began to emerge through a surge of confidence and civil disobedience. (Chadwick, Page 234) With nearly three million women employed in non-agricultural jobs in France, the Feminist movement emerged to unify women against the sexism and reinforced patriarchal obedience of everyday life.