Every work of art comes with a story behind it, even if the artist hasn’t told it to you. The artist’s intention, the circumstances that brought about the work, and the historical context in which it was created all shape the meaning of an artwork and add to its power. Famous paintings of women are no exception.
We are used to seeing famous paintings of women, but how much do we really know about them? The story behind famous paintings of women goes much deeper than what meets the eye, so it’s important to understand the painting and its story as a whole before getting immersed in its beauty.
The following collection includes some of the most famous paintings of women in history, each with its own fascinating tale to tell.
Self-Portrait as a Tehuana by Frida Kahlo
Self-Portrait as a Tehuana (1943) is one of Frida’s most personal pieces. In 1940, after the divorce of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, a heartbroken Kahlo began work on a double portrait of herself and Rivera.
She reflects on their tumultuous partnership in the image she creates. In the picture, Kahlo wears traditional Mexican clothing, a symbol of her love for Rivera; she wears an acacia leaf crown, an allusion to the prickly end they met. The crown of leaves that seems to spread like a web around her head may symbolize the fact that Kahlo was both trapped in the picture and trapped in her obsession with Rivera.
It’s a depiction that Diego haunts her thoughts. The pain of his infidelity does not keep her from thinking about him. It hurt her, but she just can’t shake him. They remarried not long after they finished the picture in 1943.
A Bar at the Folies-Bergere by Edouard Manet
Edouard Manet created his painting A Bar at the Folies-Bergere after he witnessed such a bar during his time in Paris. The painting shows a nighttime scene with a large array of different colors, however, there is also an aspect of mystery in it.
According to local legend, the woman depicted behind the bar is a waitress who worked at the cafe-concert hall. The cafe concerts were renowned for their ladies of pleasure—many of whom allegedly worked behind the bar.
The subject in this masterpiece is a woman named Suzon, who worked at a Folies-Bergere in the 1880s. And she posed for Manet in his studio. The painting marks his interest in depicting scenes of urban leisure and spectacle. He had developed this subject for over a decade, in dialogue with the Impressionists.
The Love Letter by Jean-Honore Fragonard
The enchanting painting of a flirtatious young lady in The Love Letter by Jean-Honore Fragonard has awe-struck its audience for eons. You will notice the subtle sunlight caressing her cheeks and gleaming on her skin with its golden light.
The masterpiece of Fragonard is a work of art and features a combination of beautiful hues, including yellow, brown, and pink. The work is also illuminated by a gorgeous light that brings out the colors.
One of the most famous paintings of women is a perfect example of the Rococo period, which was a time in France when life for the wealthy elite was marked by hedonism and an abundance of leisure time. The presence of the dog amid such a romantic scene reflects the ideals of the Rococo period.
Automat by Edward Hopper
When we look at Edward Hopper’s painting, Automat, we see a woman staring into a cup of coffee while being drowned in her own thoughts. Outside the window is an identical row of brightly lit signs and pylons that stretch deep into the night sky.
Hopper has left the woman’s circumstances and her mood ambiguous as to whether to ask his viewers to empathize with and imagine themselves in both possibilities. Also, the restaurant looks empty and the street outside seems abandoned, creating a feeling of isolation. The painting is associated with urban alienation by many critics because of this.
Critics have speculated that the melancholic tone of this painting represents the stress and depression felt in the 20th century.
The Lady of Shalott by John William Waterhouse
This oil-on-canvas painting ‘The Lady of Shalott’ is a visual representation based on Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem written in 1842, The Lady of Shalott. In Tennyson’s poem, Lady Elaine lived a relatively simple life until she saw Sir Lancelot riding past her castle on his way to Camelot.
This painting portrays the lady sitting on a tapestry she has woven in a boat, preparing to embark on the journey that will ultimately claim her life. There’s a lantern that sits at the bow of the boat and a crucifix is positioned in the middle of the boat, next to three candles. The two unlit candles represent that she is dying.
This painting is a further demonstration of Waterhouse’s artistic skill for its realistic quality, detail, color, and interpretation of her vulnerable, wistful face.
The Bottom Line
The best paintings have a unique way to make us feel what they’re trying to express through their art. They take hold of our minds and pull us into their world. Browse through more famous paintings of women with intriguing stories in the 1st Art Gallery.