“Exploring women’s impact in arts and sciences, four books”
Four new titles spotlight the often overlooked contributions of women in various fields, including art, botany, fashion, and psychology, with some exploring their involvement in significant historical events like the French Revolution.
“Liberty Equality Fashion: Three Revolutionary Icons Who Styled Freedom for Women” by Anne Higonnet focuses on three women who challenged aristocratic fashion norms during the French Revolution. Marie Joséphine Rose Tascher de La Pagerie, Térézia Tallien, and Juliette Récamier defied traditional clothing styles, symbolizing revolutionary freedom through their fashion choices.
“Portrait of a Woman: Art, Rivalry, and Revolution in the Life of Adélaïde Labille-Guiard” by Bridget Quinn tells the story of Adélaïde Labille-Guiard, an overlooked portraitist during the time of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Quinn paints a vivid picture of Labille-Guiard’s life, highlighting her contributions to art and her rivalry with fellow painter Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun.
“The Secret Mind of Bertha Pappenheim: The Woman Who Invented Freud’s Talking Cure” by Gabriel Brownstein explores the life of Bertha Pappenheim, also known as Freud’s “Anna O.” Brownstein provides fresh insights into Pappenheim’s illness and her role in the development of psychoanalysis.
“Unrooted: Botany, Motherhood, and the Fight to Save an Old Science” by Erin Zimmerman is a memoir that discusses Zimmerman’s passion for plants and her experiences as a female scientist. Zimmerman reflects on her journey in botany and addresses issues of sexism in the sciences, advocating for the importance of botanical research in combating climate change.
These books offer engaging narratives that shed light on the remarkable achievements and struggles of women throughout history, making them accessible and compelling reads for a wide audience.
Repurposed article originally published in Pw
