DVD Review: The Story of Women & Art

Too often in the annals of art, women have been on the canvas-but not behind the brush. Confronted by society's daunting restrictions, they have struggled to obtain training, commissions, and critical acclaim. But some enterprising women have defied the odds to produce great works of art and become innovators in their fields. This riveting three-part documentary highlights women's artistic achievements, rescuing them from the shadows of history.

Professor Amanda Vickery escorts us on an unprecedented tour through four centuries of Western art. She journeys from Renaissance Italy to the French Revolution and beyond, covering everything from Dutch genre paintings to French impressionism and American modern art. Along the way, she acquaints us with extraordinary artists including Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Leyster, Angelica Kauffmann, Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun, Berthe Morisot, Georgia O'Keeffe, and many more. From the paintings we see in museums to the clothes we wear and the way we decorate our homes, their influence still resonates all around us.

My Thoughts

It's wonderful to finally have a documentary that focuses on the contributions that women have made to the world of art. In this series,  you'll get to see the art and learn about the lives of these amazing women.This DVD includes three episodes that introduce you to some of the most influential  female artists throughout history. It moves chronologically through time, starting in the 16 hundreds and coming up through the 20th century.

Disc 1- 16-17 Century - Travel from Italy to the Dutch Republic during a time period when the church influenced much of the artist's work. You'll meet Properzia de Rossi, the first female to carve with marble. You'll also be introduced to Sofonisba Anguissola who painted portraits, and Clara Peeters who worked with still-scenes along with a few other outstanding women.

Disc 2- This one is set in the 18th century with the primary focus on  artists in Britain and France.  It was difficult for women to find paid work during this time period and a few brave souls set out to change that. One of my favorite features on this disc was the bit about Elizabeth Vigee-Lebrun, who often painted Marie Antoinette. She is only one of many fantastic women introduced in this episode.

Disc 3 - In the 19th and 20th century, a lot of art is influenced by the women's movement. In this show you'll meet Lady Elizabeth Butler, a woman who stepped bravely into the world of war art, Gertrude Jekyll who is renown for her landscaping, and many more amazing artists who have led us into the modern age of art.

This DVD set is simply fantastic, and a must watch for any art lover or women's libber. It's not only an interesting look at history, but also provides stunning visuals of the artwork these women created. If you'd like to grab a copy of this amazing documentary for yourself, its available online at Acorn Media and on Amazon.