Her Art, Part 1: Trailblazers of the Early Modern Period
Before women had access to formal academies and artistic training, they found ways to defy expectations and make their mark. Presented in celebration of Women’s History Month, ‘Her Art: The Legacy of Women Artists Through the Ages’ explores the powerful and often overlooked contributions of women to the history of art.
For centuries, women artists have created powerful, innovative works while navigating social, institutional, and cultural barriers that limited their visibility and recognition. Despite these constraints, they forged artistic careers, shaped major movements, and left a lasting impact on the history of art.
This four-part lecture series traces the evolving role of women artists from the early modern period to the mid-20th century. Each session focuses on a pivotal moment in art history, highlighting women from different countries and artistic traditions while examining both their creative achievements and the obstacles they faced.
From early pioneers working within courtly, familial, and religious contexts to modern artists who reclaimed authorship and artistic authority, Her Art offers a richly contextualized reassessment of women’s contributions to the visual arts.
Join Tosca Ruggieri in rediscovering these artists and the worlds in which they lived and worked—placing them back at the center of the story of art.
📅 March 3
Session summary
This lecture explores the pioneering women artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods—painters, sculptors, and artisans who navigated courtly patronage, convent workshops, and family studios to establish their careers. From Sofonisba Anguissola’s refined portraits to Artemisia Gentileschi’s dramatic Baroque canvases, we’ll examine how these artists overcame social restrictions to gain recognition in a male-dominated field.
Some of the artists featured include:
Sofonisba Anguissola · Artemisia Gentileschi · Lavinia Fontana · Properzia de’ Rossi · Judith Leyster
