Women Artist During the Renaissance

Lee Burns

ART 3020

4/24/2017

Professor Villari

Renaissance Essay

        Renaissance artists were very creative as well as scientific with their work. Artists had unique ideas of expressing themselves through their art, mostly focusing on Christianity. During the Renaissance, artists used scientific ways in their art to create realism in their paintings. When people think of Renaissance art, they most likely think of the three male artists; Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. All of these men dominated the Renaissance art period, but unforuntately, women artists were widely overlooked. Most women did not have too many opportunities to create art during the Renaissance period. (Hessel, Katy)

        During the Renaissance, women had no freedom socially and legally. Since when had no rights, they were often married off and then expected to have as many children as possible. These women were very young, sometimes as young as sixteen years old. At this time period, there were not many medical advances as there is today and due to that, premature death of women was extremely common. Women did not live to an old age during the Renaissance period.  Women during the Renaissance had no right and did not work a job. Their main duty was to keep the house clean and take care of the children. (Med-Help)

        The women of the Renaissance denied all political rights during this time period. Most women were legally subject to their husbands and were expected to perform duties of a housewife. Even women who were in the wealthy class still performed household tasks like sewing, cooking, and taking care of children. The women who didn’t marry into families joined convents so they could live independently, without the pressure of having a husband and children. Convents were an alternative to women getting married off to families. In these convents, women usually learned how to read and paint. Women enjoyed these convents because they were allowed to explore and learn many new things they wouldn’t have to chance to do if they were married. Not many women joined convents but they were attractive to women who wanted to pursue art because with out them, they would not have the resources to create art if they had married and started having kids. (Victoria & Albert Museum)

        One of the most well-known female artist during the Renaissance period was Sofonisba Anguissola. She was born in a small town in Lombardy in Northern Italy. She traveled through Italy and in 1554, Anguissola met the famous artist, Michelangelo. She impressed him with her sketches and they then studied art together. Anguissola received great advice from the iconic artist on how to improve her artwork to the best of her ability. During the Renaissance, women artist had a tough time trying to get their work recognized. Since Anguissola became friendly with Michelangelo, he spread the word about her talent and she received much more praise for her paintings. (Kuiper, Kathleen)