As most periods in history, women were often denied opportunities to pursue what they wanted, whether it was getting an education or a career. Really, the only options were to marry another man or devote their life to Catholicism. Elisabetta Sirani was an exception, as she’d become a prominent artist during the Baroque period.
Although Bologna was considered a progressive city for women’s rights, most female artists were successful through the help of a male counterpart, like a father in Sirani’s case. Through her father’s teachings and having to fall sick when she was 19, Sirani was her family’s breadwinner.
Sirani often held workshops for people to view her paint and learn from her techniques. Some even note and commend her based on her ability to create such masterpieces quickly. In her lifetime, she painted and drew around 200 pieces, averaging about 20 paintings a year at one point. On top of that, she completed 13 altarpieces, including The Baptism of Christ, her most popular work. Sirani’s passion for teaching led her to open the first art school in Europe for women, an incredible achievement by someone as young as her and from a woman in the Baroque period in general.
Sources
https://nmwa.org/art/artists/elisabetta-sirani/
Angelica,
Nice work on this artist I knew little or nothing about! I really appreciate when students do a deep dive into art history and unearth such gems. Thanks for the introduction. Your research is solid and you bring forth a personal insight in your writing. I’m giving you a 2/2 for your first two posts. Well Done!
Jeff