Recently my wife and I went to the MFA in Boston to see an exhibit of Impressionistic paintings. Fast forward a few weeks and we were in the Berkshires attending the BSO concerts at Tanglewood. While there we took a side-trip to Williamstown to visit the Clark Museum. Coincidentally, they were exhibiting Women Artists from Paris, 1850 – 1900. Many studied Impressionism in Paris then returned to their home elsewhere in Europe. Along with the interesting and inspirational art the narrative accompanying the work was deeply informative. I learned the life for an woman artist was difficult. Equality, for a female artists did not openly exist. Women were not allowed to go out in public to paint. Often they bribed the local police to look the other way or dressed as a man to go out in public seeking inconspicuousness. Many studied under their husbands tutelage while often have their work critiqued as being of their husband’s, not theirs. In studios, women artists would gather to paing a model however many a time it was forbidden for the model to be a grown man. Children models were the norm. In the midst of this gender inconsistency some attained recognition. Following is a small sample of their artistry. When looking at the images please keep in mind that “these were” created by women. Lastly, the media image appearing before the text is a zoomed image. I find the brush strokes captivating.
The paintings are beautiful. Vivid images and colors. I can easily get lost in them. The female artists were fierce and determined.
Thanks for sharing these amazing works of art Jim.
Yes, I found the story of how women artists existed in France informing. Certainly not open-minded.