Art101 Final

“Oil on Canvas”

Paintings from Female Artists during the 20th Century

The artworks shown are from various women artist throughout the 20th century, all are paintings that have different styles and meanings and picked at random. They are in chronicle order by the painting date. Each of these women had their own unique style and approach; some works may not be what each woman are best known for, however all these women and artworks are notable for this time period.

Fig. 1

1902

Self-portrait

Gwen John

Oil on canvas

Privately owned

Gwendolen John was a Welsh artist who worked in France for most of her career. She was noted for her still life and portraits. Her self-portrait, like most of her other paintings was in subdued colors, both herself and the background share this. The lines are clean and thin, outlining her on a plain dark background. The colors are subdue and dark the detail in the face and clothes standout, giving the portrait a more dimensional look. During a time dominated by men, Gwen struggled for recognition. However this self-portrait with its color makes a bold statement.

Fig. 2

1906

Self-portrait

Paula Modersohn Becker

Oil on Canvas

Kunstmuseum, Switzerland

This self-portrait was simple and primitive with just a nude Paula wearing an amber necklace and the landscape behind her. She made an impression depicting her in a nude self-portrait, holding two flowers that echo the color and shape of her breasts. The color used was simple with very few defining marks. There is not much detail, with the colors though strong are blotchy. The line segments are very curvy, giving her face a rounded look. Thought the flowers symbolize her breast they do not stand out as well as the necklace does.

Fig. 3

1909

Self-Portrait at the Dressing Table

Zinaida Serebryakova

Oil on canvas

The State Tretyakov Gallery Moscow, Russia

Zinaida was among the first female Russian painters of distinction. This...