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.