Discover 10 Remarkable Women Artists in History
Women have contributed to art throughout history, yet their recognition began relatively recently. Feminist art historians in the 1970s unearthed forgotten female artists. Here are 10 exceptional women artists who’ve left an indelible mark on art history:
- Artemisia Gentileschi (1593 – 1653): A Baroque Queen Artemisia Gentileschi, a Baroque painter, received rare art education, thanks to her father, Orazio Gentileschi. Her works, often depicting strong women seeking justice, challenged the prevailing narratives of the era.
- Hilma af Klint (1863 – 1944): Abstract Pioneer Hilma af Klint pioneered abstraction in art, though her groundbreaking contributions went unnoticed until the late 1980s. She believed her abstract ideas were guided by otherworldly beings.
- Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun (1755 – 1842): Portraitist Extraordinaire Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, known as Madame Le Brun, blended Rococo and Neoclassical styles. She not only excelled in portraiture but also ventured into history painting, a genre typically reserved for men.
- Kara Walker (1969 – present): Bold Contemporary Artist Kara Walker is a renowned contemporary artist who fearlessly addresses racism, inequality, and Western history’s darker aspects. Her monumental work, Fons Americanus, challenges traditional monuments.
- Plautilla Nelli (1524 – 1588): Renaissance Trailblazer Plautilla Nelli, an Italian Renaissance nun, was a self-taught artist. Supported by female patrons, she created innovative art, including a monumental panel depicting The Last Supper.
- Berthe Morisot (1841 – 1895): Impressionist Innovator Berthe Morisot, a key Impressionist, focused on domestic scenes and women. Her paintings depicted real people, breaking away from idealized portrayals of the time.
- Hannah Höch (1889 – 1978): Dadaist Rebel Hannah Höch, a Berlin Dadaist, challenged gender biases in art. She critiqued social expectations and patriarchy through her cutting-edge collages.
- Suzanne Valadon (1865 – 1938): Honest Observer Suzanne Valadon, from a modest background, observed and learned while modeling for renowned artists. Her late start in painting led to an uncompromising and honest portrayal of women.
- Meret Oppenheim (1913 – 1985): Surrealist Innovator Meret Oppenheim’s Surrealist works explored femininity, class, and fetishism. Her unique approach used materials like fur and porcelain to evoke complex emotions.
- Remedios Varo (1908 – 1963): The Rediscovered Surrealist Remedios Varo, a Surrealist artist, remained largely unknown until recently. She blended alchemy, witchcraft, and political themes, creating captivating and mystical compositions.
These remarkable women artists shattered norms and created art that continues to inspire and challenge us today.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Collector by Anastasiia S. Kirpalov
