Women in Art during the Renaissance
The Renaissance period, spanning from the 14th to the 17th century, is known for its widespread advancements in art, literature, and science. A time when some of the most renowned works of art in human history were created.
It was an era when the most distinguished artists were men, a time when women were seldom seen as artistically gifted, and their opportunities were limited. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize the female artists who overcame the limitations and produced noteworthy works of art that have stood the test of time.
The dominance of male artists in the Renaissance period
During the Renaissance period, men were dominant in the art industry and held a monopoly over it. This was due to the strong patriarchal system where men had the power and the means to acquire the necessary training and mentorship to become successful artists.
Women were generally confined to their roles in society, where art was considered as an indulgence rather than a viable career option. Therefore, they received little to no formal training that would have helped them in their pursuits in the art world.
This patriarchal system also made it difficult for female artists to find patrons or clients who were willing to invest in their careers.
Challenges faced by female artists in the Renaissance period
Female artists in the Renaissance faced many challenges, among them, was sexism, as women were seen as inferior to men in creativity and intellect. This meant that female artists were viewed as second-rate and therefore their works were not appreciated to the same extent as those of their male counterparts.
This challenge was compounded by the fact that women were not allowed to attend art schools, work in studios that were male-dominated, or learn the skills that were necessary to become artists. For women who wanted to pursue an artistic career, the only option available was to work as apprentices in the studios of male artists.
However, even getting an apprenticeship was a challenge as most male artists did not want to work with women.
Notable female Renaissance artists
Despite the challenges they faced, some female artists in the Renaissance period succeeded in making valuable contributions to the art world. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Levina Teerlinc
Levina Teerlinc was a Flemish artist who worked as a miniaturist during the 16th century. She was the official artist to Queen Elizabeth I and was known for painting highly detailed portraits in miniature form.
Plautilla Nelli
Plautilla Nelli was an Italian nun who lived between 1524 and 1588. Her religious paintings were among the first works by female artists to be exhibited in public galleries.
Catharina van Hemessen
Catharina van Hemessen was a Flemish painter in the 16th century. She is most famous for her self-portraits, which were very unusual for women of her time.
Sofonisba Anguissola
Sofonisba Anguissola was an Italian painter in the 16th century. Unlike most female artists of her time, she had a successful career and was known for her portraiture which depicted everyday life.
Lavinia Fontana
Lavinia Fontana was an Italian painter in the 16th century. She was a successful portraitist and also painted still lifes and religious works.
Fede Galizia
Fede Galizia was an Italian painter of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. She was known for her still lifes which included an impressive use of light to create an illusion of depth.
Clara Peeters
Clara Peeters was a Flemish painter in the 17th century, and she was known for her still lifes, which were characterized by her incredible attention to detail and her use of vibrant colors.
Artemisia Gentileschi
Artemisia Gentileschi was an Italian painter in the 17th century, who was celebrated for her powerful artworks, which depicted strong women and feminist themes.
Judith Leyster
Judith Leyster was a Dutch painter of the 17th century. She was known for her genre paintings, which depicted everyday scenes and people.
Elisabetta Sirani
Elisabetta Sirani was an Italian painter in the 17th century. She was the first woman to establish an academy to train women artists.
In conclusion, the Renaissance period witnessed the domination of male artists in the art world, limiting the opportunities afforded to women who sought to make a career in the arts. However, a few talented women overcame the odds and created remarkable works that have stood the test of time.
Their stories are a testament to the resilience and creativity of women in the face of adversity and their valuable contributions to the art world will never be forgotten.
Impact and Recognition of Female Renaissance Artists
The contributions of female Renaissance artists have been largely overlooked or ignored throughout history, but in recent times, there has been an increasing effort to uncover their artistic achievements and give them the recognition they deserve. The Advancing Women Artists (AWA) foundation and the acceptance of female artists in Bologna are just two examples of how these artists are being recognized and celebrated today.
Advancing Women Artists (AWA) Foundation
The Advancing Women Artists (AWA) foundation was founded in 2009 in Florence, Italy, and its primary mission is to reclaim the lost legacy of female artists who were more often than not overlooked by male art historians during the Renaissance period. Through its research, conservation, and restoration projects, the foundation seeks to uncover the artworks of women artists that have been hidden away or neglected in museums and archives around the world.
The foundation’s founder, Linda Falcone, speaks of the discovery of works by
Plautilla Nelli, saying; “Plautilla was a hidden story, and we just needed to scratch the surface,” and through their work, they have uncovered the stories and art of many more female artists. The AWA Foundation also seeks to bring wider attention to female Renaissance artists by organizing exhibitions, conferences, and book publications, allowing a broader audience to appreciate the artistic contributions of women in this period.
Recognition in Bologna
During the Renaissance period, Italy was a hub for artistic talent and it was in Bologna, a centre for academic painting that female artists finally found some acceptance. Women such as
Lavinia Fontana,
Elisabetta Sirani, and Barbara Longhi became professional painters, and their art was appreciated by many.
Lavinia Fontana was a portraitist who became a member of the Accademia di San Luca, showing that women could be acknowledged by the leading artistic institution of the time. Her skills were greatly appreciated, and she successfully ran her own workshop, giving female students the opportunity to learn the art of painting.
Barbara Longhi, a renowned portraitist, also became a member of the Accademia di San Luca and gained a strong reputation for her religious paintings.
Elisabetta Sirani, the founder of an academy for women, was able to gain a significant reputation for her art and became one of the most successful artists of her time, despite her premature death at the age of 27. Her works were not only appreciated in Italy but were commissioned by collectors across Europe.
The acceptance of female artists in Bologna shines a light on the fact that despite the challenges and limits of societal expectations, female artists still sought out and fought for opportunities and were able to make an impact in the artistic industry of the Renaissance period.
Conclusion
The efforts of the Advancing Women Artists foundation and the recognition of female artists in Bologna have brought to light the contributions and impact of women during the Renaissance period. However, there is still much to be done in terms of uncovering and celebrating female artists of the past.
These women are a testament to the fact that despite societal limitations, they were able to create works of art that have stood the test of time and will continue to inspire future generations of artists. In summary, the contributions and impact of female artists in the Renaissance period have often been overlooked or ignored, with most recognition going to male artists.
However, the Advancing Women Artists foundation and the acceptance of female artists in Bologna demonstrate the increasing recognition given to female Renaissance artists, bringing their impressive skills and creativity to the forefront. These women not only overcame the limited opportunities available to them but also excelled in their work, creating masterful works of art.
As we continue to uncover and appreciate their contributions, we can strive towards greater equity and inclusivity in the art world.