Four Women Who Changed the Course of Arts History

In the beginning it was Artemisia Gentileschi, an Italian painter of the Caravaggio school who lived during the first half of the 17th century, who opened the way to the new ideology that not only men could become artists. Evolving over time, the role of women has become increasingly prominent. Above all, however, it is the Art itself that has changed in recent years. Let’s see in detail which are the women who in some way have revolutionized arts history.

Artemisia Gentileschi – Changing Women and Arts History

Daughter of the famous painter Orazio, Artemisia lived during the first half of the seventeenth century. She took up again from her father Orazio the clear drawing rigour, adding a strong dramatic and theatrical accentuation typical of the works of Caravaggio. His work contributed to the spread of the Caravaggio school in Naples, the city to which she had moved since 1630. One of the first women to request a trial for rape, in the seventies Artemisa became a symbol of international feminism, with numerous associations and circles named after her.

Angelika Kauffman

Maria Anna Catharina Angelika Kauffmann was born in Chur on 30 October 1741 and specialized in portraiture and historical subjects. She also had a passion for other arts such as music and singing. His father, a painter, played an important role in his training. Thanks to him, she was able to study and make numerous trips to Italy, where her talent was on display. Later she also went to London. She was the only woman among the founders of the Royal Academy of Arts.

Berthe Morisot

Berthe Marie Pauline Morisot, born in Bourges in January 1841, was a French impressionist painter. Like the other female artists of the time, she had to fight against those who found the profession of painter unbecoming for a woman. The prejudices of the time made it difficult for her to paint outdoors or in public places. Despite the difficulties, Berthe established herself as a leading personality of Impressionism. Her home became a meeting place for artists – not only painters, but also writers and musicians.

Frida Kahlo

Probably Frida, born in Mexico in 1907, is one of the most beloved and well-known artists in the world. She is a great example of strength and creativity. The obsessive relationship with her tortured body, due to a terrible accident in 1925, characterizes one of the fundamental aspects of her art. She created visions of the female body no longer distorted by a male gaze. At the same time she took the opportunity to defend her people through her art by bringing together Mexican folklore.

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