Meet the trail blazers
Historically discouraged from being artists
In the realm of art history, there has been a historical tendency to discourage and undermine female artists, relegating their contributions to the side lines solely based on their gender. However, it is essential to acknowledge the incredible impact and significance these women artists have had in shaping the history of art. Their extraordinary talents and artistic endeavours deserve recognition and appreciation. To shed light on their invaluable contributions, I have created a series of art history videos dedicated to these exceptional women artists. Join me in celebrating their artistic prowess and exploring the rich tapestry of their artistic achievements.
Featured Female Artist Videos
Excelled at Painting Children
Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) was a prominent American painter and printmaker known for her exceptional contributions to the Impressionist movement. Born in Pennsylvania, Cassatt defied her parents expectations by pursuing a career in art.
She studied in Philadelphia and Paris, where she immersed herself in the vibrant art scene and befriended prominent artists like Edgar Degas. Mary Cassatt’s art primarily focused on intimate and tender portrayals of women and children, capturing the nuances of their everyday lives. Her exquisite mastery of colour, composition, and brushwork showcased her unique perspective on the feminine experience.
Mary Cassatt’s works, often featuring domestic scenes, challenged conventional gender roles and solidified her place as a leading female artist of her time. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of artists around the world.
Produced the first Abstract Works
Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) was a ground breaking Swedish artist and pioneer of abstract art. Born in Stockholm, she challenged the artistic norms of her time, exploring spirituality, mysticism, and the invisible world through her art.
Hilma af Klint’s works were characterized by bold colours, intricate geometric shapes, and symbolic motifs. In the early 20th century, she created an extensive body of abstract paintings, primarily influenced by her deep interest in Theosophy and spiritualism. However, her revolutionary art remained largely unrecognized during her lifetime, as she kept her works hidden from the public eye.
It was only after her death that her extraordinary contributions to abstract art were discovered and celebrated, solidifying her as a visionary and one of the pioneering female artists of the 20th century.
The Artist who epitomised Art Deco
Tamara de Lempicka (1898-1980) was a renowned Polish Art Deco painter and an iconic figure of the Roaring Twenties. Born in Warsaw, she pursued her passion for art in St. Petersburg and later settled in Paris, where she gained recognition for her distinctive style. Lempicka’s works depicted sleek, elegant figures with sharp lines, vibrant colours, and a sense of modernity.
She was celebrated for her ability to capture the essence of the Jazz Age, embodying the glamour and sophistication of the era. Lempicka’s art often featured portraits of the rich, famous, and influential, including notable figures like Pablo Picasso.
Her bold and sensual paintings continue to captivate audiences, showcasing her talent and leaving an indelible mark on the world of art.
Explore the lives of other great female artists
- A true pioneer of American Painting : Georgia O’Keeffe
- The national treasure of Indian Art : Amrita Sher-Gil
- The American Surrealist : Dorothea Tanning
Just some of the women who changed the art world
They were self taught artists or they had to battle to get into the male dominated art academies of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The talent and determination of these female artists to succeed against inequality was, and is, admirable. Their unique contribution deserves your attention.
For more comprehensive biographies, videos and other information about famous female artists, check out my art history website.
More art history tutorials you may be interested in
By studying art history we gain a deeper understanding of our past, our present, our own culture and the cultures of others. The knowledge and inspiration gained helps us to understand, feel and speak, with greater insight, about our world.
- The 19th century artists who inspired modernism? Find out more.
- The artists who helped shape our modern world. Find out more.
Captivated by art history?
Want to learn more about the lives of influential artists? What motivated and inspired them to create their art? The problems they encountered and the battles fought to achieve success. Their lives are intriguing.
