Women are always a source of inspiration throughout the arts. Whether just exploring the female body through portraits, or reflecting on their role in society through composition and accessories, women in paintings are adored and discussed throughout history.
But what are the most famous paintings of women? There are several that come to mind, like the Mona Lisa or the Whistler’s Mother. So let’s dive into famous paintings of women that you might have seen when looking up famous art pieces and the history behind making them.
10. Portrait of Madame X by John Singer Sargent (1884)
Created by Italian-American artist John Singer Sargent in 1884, the Portrait of Madame X is one of the most famous paintings of women ever. The oil painting was created at the start of his career in hopes of making his name by portraying her daring appearance. Madame X, or Virginie Gautreau, approached him for a portrait and was a famous society beauty.
When exhibited, the picture caused a scandal, prompting the artist to leave France. Not only did she wear a low-cut dress, but it was contrasted by her white makeup, her figure emphasized by her awkward twisting right arm. Her family was appalled, especially with the original showing a dress strap hanging off her shoulder, that Sargent had to repaint the shoulder strap on her shoulder once the exhibition was over.
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9. The Crystal Ball by John William Waterhouse (1902)
John William Waterhouse was an English painter known for working in an Academic style and then embracing the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood’s style and subject matter. His paintings are known for depicting women from both ancient Greek mythology and Arthurian legend.
The Crystal Ball was completed in 1902 and was one of the first paintings attributed to the artist. It depicts a young woman holding a crystal ball, a wand, and a book of signs. Interestingly enough, while the painting is now in a private collection, the previous owner concealed the skull by using the curtains but was restored by the new owner.
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8. Whistler’s Mother by James McNeill Whistler (1871)
Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1: The Artist’s Mother, also known as Whistler’s Mother, was created in 1871 and is one of the most famous paintings of women. As the title suggests, the model for this piece was his model due to the original model not being able to commit to the job.
The painting is often praised for the deep emotions that many feel when looking at it. Some argue that it is a symbol of mourning due to the dark colors that are in this piece, while others believe that it is a symbol of motherhood. The harmony and balance between the fragility, strength, delicacy, and aggressiveness in this painting shows off Whistler’s expertise in art.
Many see that her feet are resting on a pedestal as if to put the mother on one, but are unable to paint her in a standing position as she becomes too tired. But even sitting, she’s still holding onto that raised position that Whistler views his mother in.
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7. Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting by Artemisia Gentileschi (1639)
One of the most famous paintings of women is the Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting by Artemisia Gentilschi from 1639. When visiting her father in London Charles I, who played a crucial role in her career development, her father arranged for tutors to help her become skilled as an artist.
However, during her studies, she had to use male models to paint or would use herself as the subject. This scene in particular shows an older version of her leaning over her easel, touching paint to a large canvas. This painting is considered both a self-portrait and an allegorical painting, which is one of the many reasons why this painting is often discussed by historians. It not only represents the literal art of painting but the style and content is simply a self-portrait.
6. The Kiss by Gustav Klimt (1907)
One of the most iconic, and most famous paintings of women, is The Kiss by Gustav Klimt painted in 1907. The painting is from the Art Nouveau period and is painted with rich oil painting with added platinum, silver, and gold leaf at the height of his “golden period”.
Depicted as a couple wrapped in a loving embrace, the painting was actually quite controversial due to the erotic symbolism. Klimt has several pieces that truly depict his unashamed exploration of raw human sensuality and emotionality, which was criticized often. The painting itself shows two that some historians argue to be Apollo and Daphne in Greek mythology, while others suggest that it’s a moment between Orpheus and Eurydice from their tale, however, there is no definite answer.
What is clear is the distinction between the masculine and feminine force, with the man standing above the woman in a dominant, almost overpowering stance, with the woman kneeling and submitting, and almost having an overwhelmed pose, albeit with a relaxed face.
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5. The Cup of Tea by Mary Cassatt (1881)
Mary Cassatt was an American impressionist painter who often created images of the social and private lives of women, with particular emphasis on the intimate bonds between mothers and children. She’s often described as one of the “three great ladies” of Impressionism alongside Marie Bracquemond and Berthe Morisot. One of her famous paintings of women is The Cup of Tea which was done around 1881.
Using her sister, Lydia, as a model for this piece, Cassatt produced a series of similar images along with this to show different women taking part in social activity. For instance, taking afternoon tea was a social ritual for many upper-middle-class women at the time. This highlights the feminine sphere which she would often take part in as she grew up in this class.
Other pieces of her work show women doing things like knitting, sewing, caretaking, and enjoying time in the gardens. What makes her work stand out is that she creates pieces that show women in a relaxed manner, while most of the work done by men shows them in a stiff position. It shows the female experience as a celebration as she openly expresses herself as a feminist.
4. Woman with a Parasol by Claude Monet (1875)
Claude Monet is a popular name when it comes to paintings, especially with Impressionist artists. The French painter was one of the many artists who sought to free themselves from the constraints of traditional painting approaches and subject matters. They wanted to capture fleeting results of light and color affected by the sun and seasons and paint the world as they saw it.
Woman with a Parasol is one of the most famous paintings of women and was painted at a time of great political and social upheaval in France. The painting reflects on the changes that were taking place in French society during this period with industrialization, which led to the growth of cities and the rise of the new working class.
This also changed the role of women in society. Monet’s wife is depicted in this painting as a strong and independent woman, holding a parasol and walking confidently with their son. This went against the traditional domestic sphere that women were held in, which was groundbreaking at the time and reflected on women’s rights in France.
3. Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer (1665)
Famount paintings of women are often a mystery, like the Girl with a Pearl Earring done by Johannes Vermeer in 1665. The oil painting is now in the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague and depicts an imaginary woman in an exotic dress and a very large pearl earring. Vermeer produced only 36 known works in his lifetime and most depict women at daily tasks.
This painting in particular represents a young woman in a dark shallow space, and unlike his other work, she is not focusing on a daily chore and is aware of the viewer. Her expression coupled with her mysterious identity has led many to compare her with the brilliant Mona Lisa.
In 2018, Mauritshuis went through a two-year investigation on this piece using modern technology to look at layers beneath the surface — they uncovered a green curtain behind the girl as well as confirmed that she had eyelashes, though hard to see. Another interesting fact is the giant pearl earring is only created in two strokes: one at the bottom to reflect the collar and a thicker one at the top to reflect the light source.
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2. Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci (1506)
Located at the Louvre, one of the most well-known museums in France, the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous paintings in the world. The oil painting was painted around 1506 when da Vinci was living in Florence and is a prime example of High Renaissance painting. Through her captivating gaze and mysterious smile, thousands upon thousands have made their way to the Louvre to catch a glimpse of this wonderful work of art.
The figure is believed to be Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a cloth and silk merchant by the name of Francesco Giocondo, and is rendered similarly to Renaissance portrayals of the Virgin Mary. She’s painted sitting down with a background of a hazy, isolated landscape. While her smile is one of the prime reasons guests come around, it’s mainly her gaze, which is argued to follow visitors as they wander the room.
Surprisingly, the painting wasn’t all that well-known until the 20th century when a 1911 heist put it in the spotlight. The painting was actually stolen from France to return to Italy, where the thief, Vincenzo Peruggia, believed it belonged. it was kept at his apartment for two years until it was presented to the Uffizi Gallery, which was exhibited for two weeks before returning it to the Louvre.
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1. Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli (1485)
One of the most famous paintings of all time, and one that features a woman, is the Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli — completed about 1485. The Italian painter emerged in the early Renaissance period and served as an apprentice under Fra Filippo Lippi, the best Florentine painter of all time. While he made his name for his painting, Allegory of Fortitude (1470), he was commissioned to paint the Birth of Venus for Lorenzo the Magnificent of the Medici family.
In mythology, Venus was born when the Titan Cronus castrated his father, the god Uranus, which then fertilized the sea. And in this painting, depicts those described moments by the Roman poet Ovid when she emerged from the sea in a shell. She is attended by Zephyrus, the gentle wind of spring, shown on the left side, along with the nymph Aura, who blows her towards the short.
On the right, a figure that could be representing Flora, the goddess of spring, is ready to wrap a cloak around her adorned with flowers to cover her. Venus is also posed in a classic, and at the time, very popular statuary stance. Overall, Birth of Venus is one of the most well-known and famous paintings of women in history.
