Where are the women artists?

Linda Nochlin asked Why are there no great women artists?" way back in 1971, and we're still asking why women are so under-represented in the art world today.

Where are the women artists?

By Tate

There have always been women in the arts, just not in the history books—or even in our museums. Change is slow.

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Christine de Pizan and a City of Ladies

By Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

Christine de Pizan was an author and intellectual and wasn't afraid to show the strength of women in the early 15th century.

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Female artists in the Renaissance

By Dr. Deanna MacDonald

Despite obstacles, women became exceptional artists in the Renaissance

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Introduction to gender in renaissance Italy

By Dr. Heather Graham

Throughout Europe women’s relegation to the domestic sphere was rooted in Christian tradition that placed blame for humanity’s fall from grace upon Eve, the first woman.

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Rachel Ruysch, Fruit and Insects

Rachel Ruysch, <em>Fruit and Insects</em>

By Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. Steven Zucker

No wonder Ruysch treats each element of this still life like a scientific specimen—her father preserved insects.

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Emily Mary Osborn, Nameless and Friendless

Emily Mary Osborn, <em>Nameless and Friendless</em>

By Ben Pollitt

Being a female artist in Victorian England wasn’t easy. Osborn made it work, but does the painting’s protagonist?

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Berthe Morisot, The Cradle

By Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. Steven Zucker

Lacking access to the cafes and bars male Impressionists painted, Morisot mastered intimate domestic interiors.

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Judy Chicago, The Dinner Party

By Dr. Jennie Klein

Judy Chicago's landmark installation gives notable women from history a seat at the table.

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Faith Ringgold, Dancing at the Louvre

Faith Ringgold, <em>Dancing at the Louvre</em>

By Dr. Virginia B. Spivey

Faith Ringgold’s Dancing at the Louvre is all about breaking the rules, and having lots of fun while doing it.

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Shirin Neshat, Rebellious Silence, Women of Allah series

Shirin Neshat, <em>Rebellious Silence, Women of Allah</em> series

By Dr. Allison Young

Neshat’s series examines the complexities of women’s identities in the Middle East’s changing cultural landscape.

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Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!

Reframing Art History

more than 50 chapters