art
'Unsigned and neglected': These artworks are by women
The magnificent unsigned painting The Triumph of Bacchus remained unseen, ignored and misattributed for centuries, but now its creator Michaelina Wautier is being celebrated with a major exhibition at the Royal Academy in London. Here is her masterwork – and four other groundbreaking artworks by women who are finally reclaiming their place in art history.
TL;DR
- Michaelina Wautier's painting 'The Triumph of Bacchus' was misattributed for centuries until identified by art historian Katlijne Van der Stighelen.
- Women artists like Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Leyster, Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven, and Margaret Keane also faced misattribution and historical oversight.
- Factors contributing to this neglect include exclusion from life-drawing classes, unsigned works, and a male-dominated art historical perspective.
- Current exhibitions and research are actively working to recognize and celebrate the contributions of these women artists.
- The underrepresentation of women artists in major collections, like London's National Gallery (1% of collection), highlights the ongoing need for reevaluation.