Women Artists in the Early Modern Courts of Europe: c. 1450-1700

Women Artists in the Early Modern Courts of Europe, c. 1450–1700 is the first collection of essays dedicated to women as producers of visual and material culture in the Early Modern European courts. It offers fresh insights into the careers of artists such as Caterina van Hemessen, Sofonisba Anguissola, Luisa Roldán, and Diana Mantuana, as well as groups of female makers. The texts deepen understanding of the individual artists and courts highlighted and consider the variety of experiences of female makers across traditional geographic and chronological distinctions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2021
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

Women Artists in the Early Modern Courts of Europe, c. 1450-1700, is a groundbreaking collection of essays that delves into the remarkable careers of women as creators of visual and material culture in the Early Modern European courts. This comprehensive volume offers fresh perspectives on the lives and artistic achievements of notable figures such as Caterina van Hemessen, Sofonisba Anguissola, Luisa Roldán, and Diana Mantuana, among others. Additionally, it explores the roles of groups of female makers, including ladies-in-waiting at the seventeenth-century Medici court.

The chapters in this book examine a diverse range of works produced by women who held various social and economic positions within and around the courts, spanning different media, including paintings, sculpture, prints, and textiles. Through their individual contributions, these artists not only enriched the artistic landscape of their respective courts but also challenged traditional gender roles and stereotypes.

The texts in this collection delve into the lives and artistic journeys of these women, shedding light on their social backgrounds, training, and artistic influences. They explore the challenges and opportunities they faced as artists in a male-dominated profession and the ways in which they negotiated their identities and positions within the courts. The book also considers the broader context of women's artistic production in Early Modern Europe, examining the cultural, social, and political factors that shaped their careers and contributions.

Furthermore, Women Artists in the Early Modern Courts of Europe is accompanied by the Global Makers: Women Artists in the Early Modern Courts digital humanities project (www.globalmakers.ua.edu). This project extends and expands the work presented in the book, providing access to a wealth of digital resources, including images, videos, and interactive features, that further enhance our understanding of these women artists and their contributions to Early Modern European culture.

In conclusion, Women Artists in the Early Modern Courts of Europe, c. 1450-1700, is a vital contribution to the field of art history. By highlighting the remarkable achievements of women artists in the Early Modern European courts, this book offers new insights into the lives and careers of these artists and their contributions to the cultural landscape of the period. Through its interdisciplinary approach and digital humanities project, it encourages a deeper understanding of the experiences of female makers across traditional geographic and chronological boundaries.

Weight: 688g
Dimension: 176 x 247 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789462988194