Female Artists in Art History

Another topic brought up a valid point about female artists being someone unrecognized in the industry. I guess for agument's sake we can point out Yuyi Morales who has won many awards, although correct me if I'm wrong, I do think the Caldecott is an honor she has yet to receive. Carol Heyer renders exquisite art, is in high demand for book covers and her own picuture book Humphrey's Christmas is a lovely addition to any Christmas Book Collection.

I agreed when I read an anonymous post about male artists being sought after. After going to a conference and being in a room with 30 - 35 Portfolios, all but two of them were from women. And the one most swooned over by representation was presented by a male. His work was wonderful, however, there was other art on display that, in my opinion, was very noteworthy.

As for Art History, women still seem to be standing in the shadow. I wrote a Picture Book some time ago in which many male artists present their work to a grouch of a character. He is seeking artwork for his grande hall. In the end, a female artist walks in as a little girl,   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sofonisba_Anguissola  .  In critique, this story has been well received for the most part. But the one thing that stands out is that most people don't know who Sofonisba Anguissola is. Michelangelo mentored her. I was not taught about her in Art history. As a matter of fact, in the primary curriculum, I'd venture to say that female artists aren't covered at all. Some folks may be a bit disgruntled about me mentioning Barbie Movies, but to their credit, one of them teaches about female artists: Rapunzel. Other features of the film address the topic of Female Artists in History. This is where I had first heard of Sofonisba and did some research on my own.

I guess this may be construed as a rant, but I'd like to think of it as an opening for our non-fiction writers. 

Another small positive note: my daughter learned about Georgia O'Keefe, Frida Kahlo and Mary Cassatt in second and third grade art class. (But your point is well taken.)

Not Berkowitz--Liebowitz (sp?) Annie Liebowitz.  Just remembered.

Yes, let's try and change the Caldecott, and maybe even go a step further to change curriculum. I do believe that Sofonisba would be a household name like her male mentor if  she were also a male. And like Jade suggested, why is it that women's artwork is put into a different catagory when it comes to art history? Music History is music history and I do think the likes of Cristina Aguilera, Celine Dion or even Madonna for all her marketability will be remembered with their male counterparts. Sofanisba's story is classic in that she grew up in a time when woman's role in society was subdued. Her father made sure his daughters were taught about art and literature. Out of the norm for her time, she followed her desires and forged forward paving the way for other females to follow the same pursuit. That is BIG history.

I am glad however, that some teachers are covering Georgia O'Keefe in elementary education. That's a step. I used to love Bev Doolittle when I was younger and stood in awe of how she could paint another picture hidden within a picture.  There are so many names that could be added to the books.

Thank You Artemesia,

After you mentioned the inspiration for your board name, I did a search on her and she is very intriguing : http://www.artemisia-gentileschi.com/index.shtml  I especially like the work that depicts one lit candle and the contrast of light and dark on the subjects. Her story is amazing. Now I'm off to look up Canadian Emily Carr's works.

When I was an undergrad we learned about some female artists (mostly 20th century), partly because my department had a strong level of feminist activism. The instructors included Cathy Opie and Barbara Krueger, who were very active in both the L.A. and national art scenes. We looked into artists like Kiki Smith, Sally Mann, Eva Hess, Yoko Ono and Karen Finley, and interestingly I remember the photographers best - Carrie Mae Weems, Diane Arbus and my personal favorite, Cindy Sherman. That said, I agree with the sentiment regarding the Caldecott - the winner lists tilt noticeably toward men, especially this decade, and they do seem to reflect the problems with gender bias that we, as a society, have always had.

I especially like the work that depicts one lit candle and the contrast of light and dark on the subjects. Her story is amazing.

the one with the candle is also the one i was referring to. you can actually see more detail in the severed head in better quality reproductions. I'm not sure if they go into detail in the site you posted, but the 7 month rape trial made her an outcast. Back then, it was the woman on trial if she claimed rape, her onus to prove it happened, and prove she didn't 'bring it on herself' if it was rape, so to speak. She was treated as a criminal, guilty until proven innocent. I remember being horribly shocked and outraged during that particular art history lesson.

Matt, I can't believe I forgot about Cindy Sherman! thanks for the memory jog!!

I've noticed the female to male ratio in other areas of creativity too.

Thank you so much Artemesia, Barb, Mike and Matt for the additional names. Some of these women have led or are leading very interesting lives, each one has a story worth a delve into non-fiction or historical fiction.

Hee hee hee, Z-Cat!

Probably more girls but my school at that time was 60/40 female to male.

My classes in NY were more even.





I still come back to the fact that women for most of history have had little to no roles other than those stated in my post above.

My female Art History professor introduced us to Élisabeth-Louise Vigée-Le Brun who served as court painter to Marie Antoinette and was accepted as a member of France's Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture.
Here's a link to an interesting article entitled Old Masters: Overlooked Women Artists
http://www.gadflyonline.com/01-14-02/ftr-women.html

There were quite a few female Academic artists (like Vigée-Le Brun), but that entire section of art history is pretty much overlooked in art history curricula.  Quel dommage.

Don't forget Rosa Bonheur!

(An academic!)  Then there's Marie Guilhelmine Benoist, a very talented pupil of David.  And Elizabeth Jane Gardner Bouguereau was the technical equal of her famous French husband.  And the list goes on ...

Another awesome, well-known American artist (in sculpture) is Anna Hyatt Huntington.  Her "Joan of Arc" in NYC is amazing.

Thanks for this thread!

And there is Mary Cassett too--a well respected impressionist.

Lee Krasner...Action Jackson's wife

(they kind of trickle in don't they)