When Googling the terms "famous artists", the top ten names you'll find are Picasso, Van Gogh, Dali, Da Vinci, Monet, Matisse, Warhol, Rembrandt, Degas, and Michaelangelo. These artists all differ greatly in terms of the work they created, their styles, and philosophies, but they have one thing in common: they're all men. There is no denying that there is a reason why these men are famous for their work, but I encourage you to ask yourself just how many female artists you can name, and, go even further, a piece that they have created. Women have been contributors to the art community since its origin, and here are ten female artists that have significantly impacted it.
1. Levina Teerlinc (1520-1576)
Levina Teerlinc was a Flemish Renaissance painter in the 1500s. She worked in the English royal court as a portraitist but was unique in that she was a miniaturist, someone who paints illuminated manuscripts and miniatures. It is also theorized that she designed seals for Queen Mary and Elizabeth
2. Sofonisba Anguissola (1532-1625)
Sofonisba Anguissola was an Italian Renaissance painter. Her work was praised by many, including Michelangelo, and she eventually painted royal portraits in the court of King Phillip II. Unfortunately, most of her work burned in a fire at the Prado in the 17th century. Regardless, she was one of the first female artists to gain an international reputation in the course of history.
3. Clara Peeters (1607-1621)
Clara Peeters was a Flemish painter during the Baroque art era. She was widely known for her skilled brushwork and detail. She was one of the first artists during this time to popularize still life pieces, although she did try her hand at portraiture throughout her career.
4. Maria Cosway (1760-1838)
Maria Cosway was well known in the 17th century for her portraiture skill, although today one would be more likely to know her by her famous relationship with one of America’s founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson. Known first and formally as an artist, Cosway was also a musician, activist, and founded a girl’s school in 1803.
5. Berthe Morisot (1841-1895)
Berthe Morisot was a French painter and print maker during the Impressionism era. Manet was her biggest inspiration, and she often worked alongside and posed for him. Even though she struggled to gain recognition as a woman in the art world, her works often outsold other Impressionists at the time—including Claude Monet.
6. Mary Cassatt (1844-1926)
Mary Cassatt was an American painter and printmaker who is known for her expressive style. During the 19th century, she traveled throughout Western Europe and painted, making a name for herself and her work. She became friends with Berthe Morisot early in her career while battling sexist art jurors and was inspired by the work of Degas.
7. Kathe Kollwitz (1867-1945)
Kathe Kollwitz was a German printmaker and sculptor during both of the World Wars. Her collective work was heavily influenced by her own feelings about injustice, war, and poverty. She is known as one of the last prominent artists of the German Expressionism era.
8. Georgia O'Keeffe ( 1887-1986)
Georgia O’Keeffe was an American Painter in the 20th century. Described as a modernist painter, she was best known for her large abstractions of flowers and desert land forms. Known as the "Mother of Modernism", O'Keeffe created waves in the art community during a time where it was dominated by men like her ex-husband, Alfred Stieglitz.
9. Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)
Frida Kahlo was a 20th century Mexican surrealist known for her self-portraits. She had many friends in the art world, including famous cubist, Pablo Picasso. During the time period of second wave feminism, she was the icon for female creativity.
10. Maya Lin (1959- Present)
Maya Lin is a 20th-century sculptor, best known for her design for the Vietnam Memorial. Her first works are several memorials, but her collective work is influenced by both the environment and politics.
