Representations of Woman in Art

In analyzing art history, it is clear that visual images are often used as means of defining a cultural or personal identity for better or for worse. For example, in times of war or in military cultures, art acts as means of presenting a very powerful and intimidating illusion of ones culture. On the other hand however, it has also been used to create deceptive images of different cultures or genders.

Women have become a common subject in a number of mediums of art and have been illustrated in a number of ways as determined by the artist, the era and the client of the piece. For example, Titian's Venus of Urbino and Frida Kahlo's Self Portrait, reveal greatly contrasting images of woman and their role in society.

Titian's Venus of Urbino displays a fair, innocent and helpless woman as she lays on her soft bed, naked, waiting for another to prepare her clothing for her. She is revealed as an icon of beauty and passivity. She is man's image of a perfect woman and a role model for every woman to look up to. It is this piece which reflects or defines social expectations which were placed on women during the 1500's. Sleeping Venus by Giorgione, is considered one of the first female reclining nudes of European history. This image reveals a greater sense of the passivity of woman as the subject is displayed peacefully sleeping in an idealized environment, unaware of the viewer watching her. As her body mimics the curves of the land, comparisons between nature and femininity arise. Similarity, some may argue that this presents the idea that just as man can tame nature through agriculture, man can also control women.

These earlier deceiving images greatly contrast that of Frida Kahlo who illustrates herself in a realistic style as a strong, active, and emotional being who is immersed in untamed nature. Unfortunately, women are still objectified through poor social expectations by the media today. Groups such as the Gorilla Girls, for example, have developed in hopes of fighting these inequalities within culture as displayed by art.