The Ladies of Art: Stories of Women in the 16th and 17th Centuries

A visual celebration of Italian women artists defying prejudice and convention to achieve their creative visions

This volume spotlights the art and lives of 34 Italian women artists of the 16th and 17th centuries, beginning with Artemisia Gentileschi—the first woman artist to question gender prejudices—and followed by Sofonisba Anguissola, Lavinia Fontana, Fede Galizia and Marietta Robusti, among others. Presenting more than 130 works, the volume champions the artistic mastery of the painters, tracing their formal accomplishments and progressive visions. The Ladies of Art also chronicles the artists’ extraordinary lives, accounting for the tremendous obstacles they faced in a world hostile to women’s professional affirmation and recognition. Although these women varied considerably in style, they were united by their commitment—whether explicit or implicit—to challenging prejudices and dismantling restricting clichés through their chosen vehicle of expression.