Women in Art History - Assignment Example

Running Head: Women and Art History. Why don’t we know about any female artist from the Renaissance time period? During this period there was a lot of subjugation directed at women by their male counterparts; they were deprived of political rights on the pretext that they were under their husbands. It was expected of women from all social classes to be housewives. Peasants went to the farm with their husbands; middleclass wives assisted their husbands run business while those from high class undertook household chores.

Even those who did not marry were not allowed to lead independent lives. The kind education given to females was just to assist them perform the traditional roles and in many cases females were used by males as sexual pawns mostly for fame and political reasons.2. How were women treated during this time of "rebirth?During rebirth, women were treated as subjects of their husbands and as such they majorly confined around household roles. They were pawns for political reasons and to make money; they could be married and remarried for convenience.

They were not given the kind of education which would give them autonomy to stand on their own and pursue their ambitions. 3. What was happening in society during the Rococo period that caused not only female, but male artist to have fewer opportunities to create artwork? Explain why this created such an impact and who was responsible. The Rococo period began in the 1700’s and it was mostly dominant in France which was setting trends during the time but later spread to the rest of Europe. Art during this period featured curves that were shell shaped, and motifs which were wave-like.

It was particularly common in the sumptuous designs of furniture as well as interior designs. During the same period there was growing discomfort in France owing to the monarch’s excesses, imposition of oppressive taxes to the poor and peasant citizens making it really had for many artists to express. The social structure was a major reason for the discomfort due to the injustices presented. Only 0.55% of the population known as the first estate owned 10% of land, paid little or no taxes at all and led luxurious lives.

The aristocracy or second estate making just 2% of the population on the other hand took 30% of land, and enjoyed favors from the monarch such as tax exemption while peasants suffered significantly. Peasants by virtue of not belonging to the clergy or aristocracy led very squalid lives bearing taxes which continued to rise at frustrating rates. The luxurious fashion enjoyed by the nobility made the situation get out of control. The ridiculous fashions and styles were taken up by men and women in France reflecting shallowness, fashion became a thing of the wealthy members of society and this was spread all over as France was a trend setter.

Kind Louis XV and his wife joined the movement with their extravagant lifestyles. Madame de Pompadour personally began patronizing art becoming a symbol of frivolity, cultural degeneration and excessive expenditure of the taxpayers’ resources. The discontent eventually led to the revolution and Rococo art did not resurrect post-revolution. The King Louis XV was largely to blame for the fewer opportunities available for men and women to create artwork during the period.4. How and when did it change?

The situation changed during the French revolution with the peasants destroying any artwork associated with Rococo. The art was strongly distasted and even after the revolution it never appeared again. The artists of Rococo kind and time did not make any more in the new France after the revolution. 5. How was photography a somewhat "open door" for women interested in the arts? List at least two examples of female photographers from the Modern Art time period and describe the type of photography they are known for.

Photography was somewhat open door for women interested in arts because most early female photographers were married to the males who pioneered photography and others ventured into photography due to close family ties with male photographers. Also women were encouraged into photography by male photographers who owned their photo studios.Holly Andres is a modern female photographer associated with themes in children and more especially girls. Barbara Davidson on her part is known for her capturing of contemporary issues such as gang violence in her photographyReferences.1. Linda Nochlin. (1971). Why Have there Been no Great Women Artists?