“Women painters in Rome” brings dozens of artists out of oblivion. It is the result of colossal work and it is part of the current movement of rediscovery of women in the history of art.
Published on 01/12/2024 10:50
Reading time: 1min
In the exhibition catalog Women painters in Rome56 artists. Most are unknown to the general public and even specialists. For what ? “Do I really have to say this?writes Ilaria Miarelli Mariani, the curator of the exhibition. They were victims of gender prejudice, now I am convinced of it. But at this point, I didn’t think so.”
Because these women had talent and success during their lifetime. They held a salon and sat at the Academy of Fine Arts. They definitely left a mark. “The sources exist, but the story of these women was forgotten during the 20th centuryexplains Michela D'Agostino who participated in the research work.
“The history of art was written by men.”
Michela D'Agostino, researcher in art historyat franceinfo
Reconstructing their journey was not easy. We had to delve into catalogues, diaries, museum and church archives, etc., then find the paintings. “We searched museum deposits, auction databases, and we used word of mouth, with other specialists, gallery owners, collectors, antique dealers,” explains the researcher.
A map of Rome, distributed to visitors, allows you to discover even more works and artists in the city's churches and museums. The team sees its work as a starting point. Since the opening, descendants of women painters have already come forward.
The exhibition “Roma pittrice”, (Women painters in Rome), is on display until March 23 at the Palazzo Braschi, in the center of the Italian capital.
