Women of the artworld: Renaissance and Baroque eras

What is the course about?

In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Italy became a focal point for a significant debate surrounding women’s roles in society. During this time, influential proto-feminist writers began advocating for women’s equality with men across all aspects of civic life. This intellectual movement emerged alongside a reality in which women were largely confined to the domestic sphere, excluded from public domains such as business, politics and the arts. This course, organised into six sessions, will focus on women and art.

Drawing on recent scholarship, we will examine how women were often depicted within rigid gender norms, while also exploring how some women defied societal constraints by actively contributing to the cultural landscape of the time. The course will explore three key topics: the portrayal of women in visual art, the roles of female patrons and collectors —such as Isabella d’Este— and the significance of pioneering female artists, including, among others, Sofonisba Anguissola, Lavinia Fontana and Artemisia Gentileschi.

Key themes will include the representation of women’s bodies in comparison to those of men, the societal expectations of gender reflected in paintings, the impact of female patrons and collectors on the artistic world and the development of female artists’ identities. By challenging traditional narratives, questioning gender biases and exploring the ways in which art shaped societal views, students will gain a more nuanced perspective on the complexities of gender representation in early modern Italian art.

What will we cover?

· We will explore the cultural and social context of early modern Italy, focusing on women’s roles within key institutions such as the family, the Church and the labour economy.

· We will examine a diverse range of artworks across various media — whether commissioned by, created by or depicting women — to understand their significance.

· We will learn how to analyse the formal features of selected works and interpret them in relation to women’s roles in society.

· We will discuss how female artists navigated the male-dominated art world, overcoming restrictions, finding opportunities and shaping their own artistic identities

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

· Understand the cultural and social context of early modern Italy and how it shaped women’s roles in art and society.

· Analyse artworks across various media, considering their formal features and the ways they represent or engage with women.

· Critically assess the contributions of female patrons, collectors and artists within a male-dominated art world.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for all levels.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussion.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught with lecture, slide presentations, activities and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course. These handouts will be posted via a Google Classroom. You will be invited to join the Google Classroom within a week of your course start date.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Introduction to the Italian Renaissance