In the shadow of Mars: The emergence of the female portrait painter in Renaissance Italy

By examining the patriarchal systems and beliefs established in the classical era and reinforced continuously for the next twelve hundred years, this study shows how the societal attitudes of the Italian Renaissance negatively affected the ability of women to become part of the rich artistic heritage of the era. This work argues that the patriarchal ideals of Renaissance Italy promoted a conflicting attitude towards women, elevating them for their virtue, chastity and beauty, while denying them opportunities to develop their individuality or public persona. Consequently, most Renaissance women rarely sought a career and dedicated their lives to the private sphere of the family or the church. In spite of the social climate, however, the 16th century artists Sofonisba Anguissola and Lavinia Fontana were able to capitalize on their gender, the circumstances of their birth and their artistic skills, to establish successful careers as portrait painters.