This gallery shows the perception of women through different time periods. It emphasizes on the roles that women play as times change and how environment dictates the roles played by women. It also shows how women are perceived by society and how their influence and power takes place in society. The issue of rights for women first became prominent during the French and American revolutions in the late 18th century. A ‘second wave’ of feminism arose in the 1960s, with an emphasis on unity and sisterhood.
Ten physiognomic types of women, Coquettish type, Kitagawa Utamaro, Edo period, 18th century, From the collection of: Tokyo National Museum
Women seen as flirtatious beings. Using their power to attract and lure men in with their measures. The soft movement and the cloth draped over her falling over her shoulders stresses her teasingly flirtatious manner.
Seated Woman (Woman with the Body of a Guitar), Diego Rivera, 1915, From the collection of: Museo Frida Kahlo
Showing how some may see women as a figure. Though literally a guitar figure in this painting, symbolically, a woman may be seen as a figure of beauty as seen through her curves. The woman's body is praised and is a temple of allure.
Woman with Fans, Edouard Manet, 1873, From the collection of: Musée d’Orsay, Paris
This painting portrays an extravagant woman who, with poise is laying down on soft sheets and pillows with different decorated fans all around her in the background. This shows how sometimes, women tend to be materialistic and high maintenance due to the rise of commercialism.
Breton Women with Umbrellas, Emile Bernard, 1892, From the collection of: Musée d’Orsay, Paris
Clearly in this painting, it emphasizes the elegance of a woman. How she gracefully perches herself while shielding herself from the heat of the sun. The vivid colors contrast with the dresses of the women accentuates the women and how they move so coyly and gracefully.
Women Embroidering, The Vanmour School, First half of the 18th Century, From the collection of: Pera Museum
This painting shows off the industrial side of a woman. This shows how women's jobs have transitioned since this century. Women's jobs were usually of this type such as sewing and cooking but as seen at present, women can now have the same jobs as men do. The dull colors used only accentuates the details in the pictures even more.
Women Combing Their Hair, Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas, circa 1875-1876, From the collection of: The Phillips Collection
This painting shows and accentuates the vanity of a woman. How she spends most her time fixing herself up to look presentable for everyone to adore her. Hair is a very important feature of a woman and seldom, it is used to determine how well off a woman is.
WOMEN IN SEASONS OF SNOW, MOON AND FLOWER, Katsukawa Shunsho, Edo period, 18th c., From the collection of: MOA Museum of Art
This japonisme painting exemplifies how women act and function through different seasons and how each stage shows her different personality and mood.
Three women picking fruit, Gaspar Homar, Around 1905-1906, From the collection of: Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya - MNAC, Barcelona
This stained-glass-like painting shows some of the activities the women in this age would do to pass some time.
Men Going out to Fight, with a Crowd of Cowering Women Behind, George Romney, 1734–1802, British, undated, From the collection of: Yale Center for British Art
In this sketch, it shows how women are viewed as weak which is why the men feel like it is their duty to protect them. Women were once viewed as frail and fragile. This picture is a perfect example of this as it portrays women to be helplessly hiding behind the strong men.
Woman Carrying a Child in Her Arms, John Flaxman, 1755–1826, British, undated, From the collection of: Yale Center for British Art
A mother is a strong figure in society. Mothers are strong and powerful and the picture of her carrying a child in her arms shows a tender and caring side of a woman. It shows how women are selfless and play a huge role in shaping society.
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This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
