Since the 1950s, the history of women artists in the Western world has followed closely with the Women's Movement which took shape at the same time. Little is known prior to the Renaissance, but a few women artists active in the Italian Renaissance are of interest. From the baroque period, the world began to recognize women artists and, in the 18th century, women were occasionally accepted in academies. During the 19th century, the number of women artists steadily increased, and in the 20th and 21st centuries, women artists, at least in theory, hold a place equal to male artists. The course will conclude with visits to the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., and the National Gallery of Art.
Homewood lectures: Wednesdays, March 28 to April 11, 6:45 to 8:15 p.m.
Field study: Saturday, April 14, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Lunch on your own at the National Gallery of Art)
Cost: $195 (four sessions); bus transportation and museum admission included
Recommended readings: Linda Nochlin's essay: "Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?"—now a classic in the field (to be distributed in class); Nancy Heller: Women Artists, Illustrated History (4rd edition)—to date, the best history on women artists; "Broad Strokes,"by Bridget Quinn, is of interest for its more controversial approach to the history of women artists. See MBS Direct for more information or to purchase.
JHU full-time faculty/staff are eligible for 80 percent tuition remission. You will be unable to register online and receive the discount. Contact 410-516-8516 for more details.
