Painting Her Pleasure: Three Women Artists and the Nude in Avant-Garde Paris

This book explores the works of three female artists in avant-garde Paris who pioneered modern body imagery, challenging societal expectations and breaking gender barriers in their art. Their innovative approaches to the male nude, Black female nude, pregnant nude, and nude self-portrait paved the way for future feminist artists and philosophers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This captivating book delves into the captivating world of nude art, showcasing the works of three remarkable women: Suzanne Valadon, Émilie Charmy, and Marie Vassilieff. These artists, hailing from avant-garde Paris, played a pivotal role in pioneering modern body imagery, capturing the essence of female subjectivity and sexuality through their artistic expressions.

Valadon, Charmy, and Vassilieff embarked on a daring exploration, delving into various genres of nude art. They dared to challenge societal conventions by venturing into the male nude, the Black female nude, the pregnant nude, and the nude self-portrait. These subjects were rarely tackled by artists until half a century later, showcasing their audacity and willingness to push boundaries.

In defying the scientific discourses and social mores of their time, Valadon, Charmy, and Vassilieff shattered assumptions about 'feminine art' and upended expectations about the subjects that women could paint. Their works challenged the rigid gender roles and stereotypes prevalent in early twentieth-century society, offering a fresh perspective and a reimagining of the female body.

By contextualizing their work within the broader framework of modernism, the book draws parallels with later feminist artists and philosophers. It unravels the complexities of early twentieth-century gender regimes and the enduring cultural stereotypes that shaped society. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the book provides an enlightening history of women, sexuality, and the body, shedding light on the transformative power of art in challenging societal norms.

This captivating book is a testament to the artistic brilliance of Valadon, Charmy, and Vassilieff, as well as their unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers and challenging the status quo. It serves as a valuable resource for art enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of women's artistic contributions throughout history.

Weight: 738g
Dimension: 189 x 447 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526159830