Our discussion with Monika Fabijanska was enlightening on many fronts: the outing of the relation with nature and perceived femininity, the long struggle of talented artists to be recognized as equals, and the powerful union between visual arts and activism. One of the minor questions Fabijanska posed was of prominent women artists in the Renaissance Era. The response to which was lacking. Outside of the classical Renaissance artists (Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, Leonardo) who shall be referred to as the Ninja Turtles. So in this little reflection, I’ll actually be introducing you to two Renaissance Era artists which have gone unrecognized in the public education system.
Artemisia Gentileschi is an Italian Renaissance Era artist. She was the first woman to be admitted to the Accademia Delle Arti del Disegno of Florence. Her art style began as an inspiration of Caravaggio but she would evolve beyond Caravaggio’s idealistic implementations. The subject of her paintings were women. In this painting in particular she’s inspired by a tale in the Old Testament, the Book of Judith. Depicted above is Judith, covering the candle to hide her identity. Having beheaded Holofernes and freed Israel from his grasp. Her chambermaid Abra is hiding Holofernes severed head in the bag, aiding Judith in her victory. The two women are powerful together, successfully taking down the Assyrian general. Other works by Artemisia focus on other women both strong and wronged alike. Artemisia, through her artwork, is advocating the power of women. In this way, she may be considered a feminist artist of the Renaissance.
(There is more to her tale. Feel free to ask about it or use google :))
Rachel Ruysch is from the Northern Netherlands. Her still-lifes of flowers marked a new precedent. Ruysch had her own unique art style which granted her fame throughout her lifetime. Her early works incorporated bugs and insects into the flower arrangements (see if you can spot some in this one). She had a long successful career and was hired to work for the court of Düsseldorf in 1708. She continued to paint till her death in 1750. Beloved in life, revered in death, Rachel Ruyscht was one of the most successful painters during the Dutch Golden Age. She popularized the painting of flowers in Dutch, inspiring respect for nature which she adopted from her botanist father.
For now this is it! If you have any additional artists I would be glad to add them to this post and make something of a gallery for unrecognized artists. Take care and vote!
One thought on “Renaissance Artists (Besides The Ninja Turtles)”
Artemisia Gentileschi! One of my absolute favorite artists, especially but not just for the ways she brought so many female legends to life. The story of Susanna and the Elders, one of her most famous paintings, is especially telling of this, I’m sure you’d agree. The story of Susanna, a young girl preyed upon by two old men, is a mythological story. Susanna being caught naked by the elders is one of the most widely painted scenes at the time, but Artemisia did it unique justice. I was shocked, after seeing her work and knowing the story, by how casual many other paintings of the same scene are. Many depictions of the scene, created by men, show Susanna blushing or even laughing, in a way both untrue to the myth and telling of misogyny. Artemisia’s honesty and adherence to the true story was shockingly unique at the time, and the way she shows Susanna’s disgusted face always stuck with me as an example of artistic ability. I absolutely agree, she was both a feminist and an incredible artist, before her time.