In both good and bad ways 2022 has been a year for women. Even though there’s been challenging times, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade, there has also been times of triumph. eclectic hang style displays predominantly highlight artworks made during the renaissance. A lot of times, the artwork made by women during the Renaissance is overlooked. With that being said I thought my exhibit would be the perfect time to connect the theme of women in 2022 to highlight the women of the past. The following exhibit is a collection of artworks made by Renaissance women that may be overlooked in every day conversation. Objects include a wide variety of art, such as religious sculptures, to scientific paintings, and metal work. The wide variety of art displayed shows the diverse amount of talent women possess. No matter the time women are always finding different outlets to have their voices heard.

Artemisia Gentileschi’s Judith Slaying Holofernes is known as the bloodiest visual depiction of the beheading of Holofernes. Gentileschi’s goes on to surpass other paintings of the story of Holofernes in popularity. Trained by her father, Artemisia Gentileschi’s, painting even surpassed Caravaggio’s painting of the scene. She was able to achieve this by adding two “strong women” in her painting.

https://smarthistory.org/gentileschi-judith-slaying-holofernes/ 

 

Ahead of her time Dutch painter Rachel Ruysch is known for her still life paintings. In a time when landscape paintings were the norm, Rachel Ruysch broke the mold. She is most known for  for her extensive collections of fruits and insects. Though she also painted many high detailed pictures of flowers, like Flowers in a Vase, becoming more popular than some of her male competition. 

https://smarthistory.org/rachel-ruysch-fruit-and-insects/  

 

Known for her botany and zoology themed paintings, Maria Sibylla Merian, was also a scientific writer. Plate 1 from Dissertation in Insect Generations and Metamorphosis in Surinam is a painting reflecting the scientific field work Merian took part in while South America. This piece in particular features a pineapple which Merian deemed “the most outstanding of all edible fruits”

https://nmwa.org/art/collection/plate-1-dissertation-insect-generations-and-metamorphosis-surinam/ 

 

After the death of her husband Hester Bateman took over the family workshop. It was not until she started leading the workshop that its popularity raised. The cake basket displayed here showcases Batemans talent for creating delicate lines in her work. George III Cake Basket, is just one example of the work she made. Her workshop also made items such as teapots, flatware, etc. 

https://nmwa.org/art/collection/george-iii-cake-basket/