The Women of Art History
By: Kaitlyn Ring, Library Assistant 2, Adult Services
Artemisia Gentileschi once said, “My illustrious lordship, I’ll show you what a woman can do.” This bold statement documented in Bridget Quinn’s “Broad Strokes” encapsulates the fierce determination of women artists throughout history. When we think of great artists, names like Michelangelo, Raphael, Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Degas often come to mind. If you’re reading this and thinking of Frida Kahlo or Georgia O’Keeffe, then you’re already ahead of the curve. But if I asked you to list 10 iconic female artists, could you? The truth is, while women have been creating remarkable art alongside their male counterparts for centuries, systemic barriers have often kept them from gaining the recognition they deserve. Fortunately, the Manhattan Public Library’s catalog provides a variety of books which can educate us and highlight the women who deserve to have standing places in the history of art.
For those seeking a gentle yet captivating introduction to art history, “Broad Strokes” offers a compelling overview of the many women who have earned their rightful place in the modern zeitgeist. Disappointed by how few female artists were included in H.W. Janson’s “History of Art,” author Bridget Quinn set out to educate and inspire future generations of women in the arts. With her witty, sometimes sardonic narration, Quinn brings the stories of these 16 remarkable artists to life, delving into their personal journeys and the ways in which their lives shaped their work. While her tone is approachable and lighthearted, Quinn doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities these women faced in their pursuit of artistic expression. From the trials of Renaissance artist Artemisia Gentileschi to modern artist Susan O’Malley’s journey through grief, “Broad Strokes” offers a nuanced exploration of what it means to be a female artist across the centuries.
“The Story of Art Without Men” is also inspired by another well-known art bible “The Story of Art” by Ernst Gombrich. Art historian Katy Hessel was shocked to realize that save one woman in the 16th edition, women were not included in this keystone history book of art. Hessel’s response was to make a book covering only female artists, which provides an intriguing and immersive history and includes a wider variation with hundreds of artists from around the world, exploring many different mediums such as textiles and mosaics. If you are looking to eventually jump into a more academic study of women in art history, this is an excellent starting point.
These titles may inspire you to explore certain artists in greater depth. One of my favorites from Hessell’s writings was Grandma Moses. “The Essential Grandma Moses” by Jane Kallir covers the life of American folk artist Anna Mary Robertson Moses, whose journey in the field of art did not begin until her late 70s. Her story shows that gender, formal education, and age have no hold over your success as an artist. If you’re interested in portraiture, Alice Neel’s self-titled book “Alice Neel: Painted truths” is a great option, especially for those more interested in post-modern artists. Neel is quoted as saying, “Being born I looked around the world and its people terrified and fascinated me.” This quote encompasses her work, which pushed the boundaries of the psychological and explored a wide variety of people from different economic and social backgrounds. Rather than painting portraits to the truest likeness, she endeavored to paint people’s “souls.” This book includes her full portfolio for readers to analyze for themselves. The library includes a variety of books that will allow you to expand your knowledge on these captivating artists, and learn more about the women who broke through the barriers that kept many female artists unknown.
Studying women’s art history allows us to discover amazing artists who have until recent times been unrecognized. It helps us acknowledge the systematic barriers that prevented women from pursuing art as a career, such as being excluded from formal training, stigmatization from patronages, and societal expectations. A key thread that ties many of these books, and this article, together is that ultimately the goal is to provide role models and representation to inspire future generations of women to become great artists.
The Manhattan Public Library strives to support artists of all kinds, and we host several craft events for children and adults to explore their creativity. From our craft table in the children’s room to DIY Nights for Adults and Teens, there are many opportunities for everyone to explore their artistic talents.
Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas, community. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.