The Relationship Between Women and Art

Art has a unique way of conveying societal topics through media- and not just any media. When we talk about media now we are primarily talking about modern media: like movies, social media, and sometimes even books. But the media of the past is still and silent as it moves through time. There is no voice to speak to us through a screen or radio. No one to slowly explain the whims of the world as images flash. When you think about it, art is so unique in itself.

So what does that have to do with women?

Well, when we talk about the relationships between women and art we usually talk about movements being conveyed through art. Maybe we’re talking about women artists in specific; and if we dive even deeper maybe their personal struggles. Almost always without fail, whether it be an art class or sociology article, The Guerrilla Girls are mentioned. They took a stand against the sexism toward female artists, and the clear hypocrisy. Women were almost always the subjects in art pieces, but never the artist. 

However, that’s not what I’m here to talk about. I suggest a shift in the border of examining women in art. I’m here to look at the almost symbiotic relationship between women in art. By studying art we can identify societal aspects. Through the art of women we can watch marriages and culture, get a glimpse into class of a past century, family life, gender roles, and more. It’s fascinating stuff! Art is one of the few glimpses we have into the past, not to mention it’s easily accessible. 

The first piece I wanted to look at was the Unequal Marriage by Vasilii Pukirev. The painting stands huge at 136.5cm by 173cm created in 1862. The painting is somewhat of a mystery as many different theories surround it about the story it tells. However, it seems everyone can agree on one thing: this isn’t a happy marriage. There are only two women in the painting, one hidden by the priest, and our focal point the bride. The bride is a child, and the artist takes careful consideration to highlight that. Her cheeks are rosy and full, and her eyes are red around the rims from crying. Frozen in time, her outstretched hand to grab the ring from the priest. The church is dark, the spectators cast in shadows, the only light on the girl only making her appear even younger. This isn’t unusual by any means- lots of paintings are sometimes gifted to newly weds before cameras. What makes this painting stand out is the stance the artist has taken. It’s titled Unequal Marriage. The girl has been crying. The church is dark. Is this a societal shift against child brides or Western arranged marriages? Is it becoming taboo for a young girl to be married off to a significantly older man? What’s to become of her? A young mother or young widow?

Next is a piece you’ve probably never heard of, but one of my favorites. Smiling Girl, a Courtesan, Holding an Obscene Image by Gerrit van Honthorst displayed in the St. Louis Art Museum. The portrait makes me laugh a little, because it seems like a sweet girl smiling for her painting, when in fact it’s a prostitute! Courtesans pop up frequently in media, being the subject of fascination. However, this painting doesn’t use the girl as an element of the piece, but the focal point. It’s her portrait after all! This painting is so unique because she is not only communicating with us directly, but gives us insight into the life of a Dutch courtesan in the 1600s. She holds a medallion, which promotes her “services”. Not to mention, she is depicted wearing a very scandalous, low cut top. So little is written about women, even less about sex workers, and this painting just gives us even more of a glance into their lives. 

Next, is The Luncheon on the Grass by French artist Édouard Manet. Still to this day, it is a (somewhat) controversial painting. Two, fully clothed males, sit with two completely nude women. One sits in the middle ground, and another in the foreground directly addressing the viewer. This example of women in art is probably the most prominent- both in this article and the art world. This piece was pivotal when it first came out, sparking controversy, and re-contextualizing what women in art mean. First of all, women in art were usually an element in art, not necessarily the subject. They were allegories and iconography- maybe they were anatomy subjects. But with the naked women making eye contact with the viewer, it was unapologetic and real, far away from the idealized woman in past art. Secondly, with the clothes and picnic basket discarded to the side, the logical feeling is that this woman is a prostitute of sorts. Once again coming back to this feeling of being unapologetic and a critique on the society of the time, the painting created scandal. The Luncheon on the Grass gives us great insight into both what women were supposed to be in mid-nineteenth century France, and within art. 

The relationship between women and art is complex, and fairly unexplored. And yet, from only looking at three pieces we can see the importance. Not only of women, but in terms of history. These pieces, intentionally or not, give us a glimpse into lives lived by the sexes and in different cultures.