Women in Art: from Atemisia de Gentileschi to contemporary times

Abstract

A highly relevant reflection for the present day concerns the division we make between the roles of men and women in society—a phenomenon that also occurs in art, which is the theme presented in this article. The fact that there are few historical records does not mean that female artists were minor or inferior, nor that their contributions were less significant than those of men; however, it is important to emphasize that history, until quite recently, was written by men. Female artists had to overcome numerous barriers, the first of which was the issue of education. This article portrays a feminine creative practice that parallels women's achievements over the centuries within the art world, moving from the domestic sphere into other echelons of society through themes linked to politics, the environment, education, and culture, among others.