Throughout history, female artists have created breathtaking works, yet many remain overshadowed by their male counterparts. While figures like Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keeffe are widely celebrated, countless other female artists made groundbreaking contributions to major art movements but are often left out of the narrative. This Women’s History Month, we spotlight three influential yet underappreciated artists, Artemisia Gentileschi, Berthe Morisot, and Augusta Savage, whose work challenged artistic and societal norms.
Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–1653) – A Baroque Trailblazer
In an era when women were rarely accepted as professional artists, Artemisia Gentileschi defied expectations and made a name for herself in the male-dominated world of Baroque painting. One of her most famous works, “Judith Slaying Holofernes”, portrays a powerful woman taking control of her fate, just as Artemisia did. This painting demonstrates her use of dramatic lighting and intense portrayal of emotions which is what she was known for. Unlike the more passive depictions of Judith created by male artists of the time, Gentileschi’s Judith is strong, determined, and unafraid, mirroring the artist’s own fight against gender bias and personal struggles. Gentileschi broke down barriers for female artists by earning commissions from royal families and the Vatican.
Artemisa Gentileschi, Judith Slaying Holofernes (1620), Oil on canvas
Berthe Morisot (1841–1895) – The Overlooked Impressionist
Berthe Morisot was one of the founding members of the Impressionist movement and a true innovator of the style, and still she is often not mentioned in the historical texts referencing impressionist artists. She captured modern life with delicate brushstrokes and soft, airy colors, focusing on domestic scenes and the everyday experiences of women. Morisot’s work, “The Cradle”, is a striking example of her ability to depict emotion through subtle yet powerful compositions. She added a new narrative by providing insight into the life of a 19th century woman that her male counterparts could not contribute to. Despite being often overlooked, Morisot made an undeniable impact on Impressionism.
Berthe Morisot, The Cradle (1872), Oil on canvas
Augusta Savage (1892–1962) – A Sculptor of Strength and Resistance
A leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance, Augusta Savage used sculpture to challenge racial and gender barriers in early 20th-century America. Her work celebrated Black identity and resilience, with one of her most famous pieces, “The Harp”, drawing inspiration from the hymn Lift Every Voice and Sing. This metal cast sculpture depicts figures forming the shape of a harp, symbolizing both struggle and hope. An important note is that Savage was also an educator and advocate for the inclusion of Black artists in the exhibition space. Augusta Savage helped shape the future for female and Black artists for years to come.
Augusta Savage, The Harp (1939), White metal cast with a black patina
Honoring Women in Art
While these three women were integral to the history of women in art, they are just a fraction of the female artists who shaped history. Their contributions remind us of the fortitude, mastery, and ingenuity that women have brought to the world of art. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s continue to recognize and uplift the voices of female artists past, present, and future.
If you are interested in these artists and their work, head to our March Pinterest board linked below that has additional works by these artists and many other female artists!
https://www.pinterest.com/atstudiogallerydc/march-board/
Sources
Augusta savage. Smithsonian American Art Museum. (n.d.-b). https://americanart.si.edu/artist/augusta-savage-4269
American, A. S. (1970, January 1). Augusta Savage: Lift every voice and sing (the harp). The Metropolitan Museum of Art. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/898876
Och, M. (2014). [Review of Violence & Virtue: Artemisia Gentileschi’s “Judith Slaying Holofernes,” by E. Straussman-Pflanzer]. Woman’s Art Journal, 35(2), 63–64. http://www.jstor.org/stable/24395426
Berthe Morisot: Artist profile. National Museum of Women in the Arts. (2020, May 29). https://nmwa.org/art/artists/berthe-morisot/
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Written by Emma Sapp
Gallery Associate