Painting in a Man's World

In the nineteenth-century there were a surprising number of professional women artists working and exhibiting in Paris. The male dominance in art histories of Impressionism, in which women are usually attributed with no more than a supporting role, best explains the popular failure to fully appreciate the influence of contemporary female artists on this celebrated movement. It is, therefore, high time to commemorate the talent of four of the most important contributors: Berthe Morisot, a founder member of the Impressionist movement; Mary Cassat, an American artist influenced by Japanese woodcuts; Eva Gonzalès, who painted many excellent portraits of women; and Marie Bracquemond, whose career suffered greatly under the jealousy of her husband. The exceptional paintings of these four women moved four celebrated female authors to compose fascinating and empathetic short stories based on the women’s experiences. They absorb us into the lives and minds of these artists—the pioneers of a new and dynamic view of women. (German edition ISBN 978-3-7757-2076-2)   Exhibition schedule: Women Impressionists , Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, February 22–June 1, 2008    Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, June 21–September 21, 2008