The Impressionist Movement: Seven Badass Women Who Changed the Art World
The Impressionist movement has always been remembered for its revolutionary approach to painting, but the contributions of its female artists have often been forgotten. Seven women in particular had a significant impact on the movement and left an indelible mark on the art world: Mary Cassatte, Marie Bracquemond, Eva Gonzales, Cecilia Beaux, Laura Munz Lyall, Lauise Catherine Breslau, and Anna Ancher. These women created some of the most memorable artworks of the era and were at the center of some of the greatest art scandals of the time. (Click on painting for information on the work of art. Also keep in mind the artwork I post next to them is not necessarily the one spoken about in paragraph so be sure to hit the photo! I Picked my favorite by them vs what people talk about...why it is this way.)
Though Cassatt was initially known for her domestic scenes, later works like Mother About to Wash Her Sleepy Child (1891) and The Boating Party (1893-94) reveal her exploration of new techniques, vibrant color schemes, and figures in motion. Through her influence, the boundaries of Impressionism shifted and pushed past conventional restrictions of how women should be depicted in art.
When Cassatt could no longer paint due to cataracts, she turned her focus to another
cause close to her heart – women’s suffrage. In 1915, she donated 18 pieces to a fundraiser organized by fellow suffragist Mrs. Havemeyer to support the suffragist cause. Through her contributions, enough money was raised for Havemeyer to establish a fund for the suffragist cause. “If the world is to be saved, it will be the women who save it,” Cassatt wrote at the time. Indeed, Mary Cassatt’s work – both on canvas and for women’s rights – remain celebrated today as an enduring legacy.
Marie Bracquemond
Bracquemond took part in all eight Impressionist exhibitions between 1874 and 1886, displaying a variety of works in different media. Initially she displayed mostly pastoral scenes, but later she began to explore figures and portraits. Her style evolved over time, becoming more painterly and vibrant with brilliant colors.
Unfortunately, Bracquemond’s work was not well received by critics and the public. In fact, she was heavily criticized for her bold use of color and Impressionistic brushwork. Despite this, she was praised by her contemporaries, such as Camille Pissarro and Edgar Degas.
In the end, Marie Bracquemond’s legacy has survived the test of time. She has been credited with helping pave the way for women artists in the 19th century and inspiring generations of painters to come. Today her works are highly sought after and can be found in major galleries and museums around the world.
Eva Gonzales
In Paris, Gonzales also became acquainted with fellow painters Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and Alfred Sisley, who all had an influence on her work. Her subject matter often focused on women and children, which was unusual for a female artist during this period. Many of her works depicted women in intimate moments of contemplation or slumber, while others showed them engaging in everyday activities such as playing with children or sewing.
Gonzales was an accomplished artist who was well-known in her day. She exhibited her work regularly at the prestigious Paris Salon from 1870 to 1886 and won awards for her paintings. In addition, she also produced etchings, lithographs, and posters that were popular with the public. Her work has continued to be admired and appreciated by art lovers around the world, making her one of the most prominent female Impressionist artists.
Laura Munz Lyall
Munz Lyall had a unique ability to capture her subjects in a manner that was both intimate and honest. Her works often feature women in domestic settings, revealing moments of vulnerability and joy. Her painting Lady in White (1905) is one of her most famous works, depicting a woman wearing a white dress with a black shawl draped around her shoulders.
The artist’s work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums throughout Canada and the United States, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Brooklyn Museum. In 2018, she was featured in a solo exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario, which showcased some of her lesser-known works.
Louise Catherine Breslau
Breslau’s works were primarily landscapes and portraits and are characterized by their bright colors and vibrant brushstrokes. Her painting style is often compared to that of Monet, Renoir, and Sisley. She was also known for her still lifes, which were often painted with a technique similar to Pointillism.
Breslau was a prominent member of the Impressionist movement and was the only woman among the group of seven major Impressionists. She exhibited her work alongside other artists such as Monet and Sisley at the Salon des Refusés in 1886 and at the Salon de la Société des Artistes Indépendants in 1888.
Breslau was one of the few female artists at the time who achieved success in the male-dominated art world. She was also an outspoken advocate for female artists’ rights and helped pave the way for future generations of female artists. In addition to exhibiting her work, she also provided financial support to aspiring female artists through scholarships and grants.
Throughout her career, Louise Catherine Breslau was a passionate advocate for women's rights in the art world. Her groundbreaking work and dedication to female artists paved the way for future generations of female Impressionists.
Anna Ancher
Her paintings feature people, places and events in her hometown, capturing the beauty of the simple moments in daily life. Ancher's work is notable for its use of light, color, texture and brushwork. It often conveys a sense of intimacy and warmth that made her paintings instantly recognizable.
Ancher also helped to advance women's rights in the art world. She was one of the few female members of Den Frie Udstilling, an influential group of progressive painters founded in Copenhagen in 1891. By exhibiting alongside male artists, Ancher helped to create a more equitable art scene for women in her native country.
Ancher's work was widely celebrated during her lifetime and is still admired today. Her best-known works include Summer Evening at Skagen Beach, People from Brøndums Garden, and The Girl Sewing. She also produced many lithographs and book illustrations throughout her career.
In addition to her work, Ancher helped support other female artists by running an informal school for young women in Skagen. She taught classes on drawing and etching, giving her students the chance to hone their skills and explore their creativity.
Cecilia Beaux
Beaux was renowned for her ability to capture subtle nuances of emotion in her portraits, creating lifelike scenes with a unique sense of beauty. Her artworks featured a range of subjects, from high-society figures to everyday people. Despite the prevailing gender norms of the time, she found success in a male-dominated world, exhibiting her work in top galleries such as the National Academy of Design.
In addition to her creative achievements, Beaux was an ardent supporter of female artists. She actively sought to promote women's participation in the art world, and opened her own school to teach painting to female students. She also served as a mentor to several young female painters, helping them to realize their potential.
Beaux's legacy lives on today, not only in her artworks but in her efforts to empower female artists. Her life and work have become a source of inspiration for aspiring artists, as well as for all those who seek to challenge gender conventions.
These are not all of the women in this movement, these are just a few. I am inspired by them and hope to leave something as amazing as they did.