Making Her Mark – Overview

On By ResaIn Making Her Mark, Original Art

I saw the most inspiring show at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Elisabetta Sirani (Italian 1638-1665)

Personification of Music – 1659 – oil on canvas – Painted in exchange for music lessons.

It was all European female artists from 1400 – 1800. It included 230 pieces of art: oils, watercolours, chalk, etchings, sketches, tatting, embroidery, quill work and more.

Themes included portraits, self portraits, religion, nudes, still life, nature, home decor and more

Josefa Ayala (Portuguese circa 1630 – 1684)

The Christ Child as Pilgrim – 1676 – oil on canvas

It is the AGO’s policy that we are allowed to take pics (no tripods, flash or other professional equipment), that we may post on social media and that we do not make money from said photos.

Sarah Stone (English circa 1760 – 1844)

A Blue and Yellow Macaw circa 1789 – watercolour, watercolour glaze & black ink border on paper.

I’ve never taken pics at the AGO before, and did my best despite: lighting in general, lighting reflected in in glass & oil paints & lucite display cabinets, and my unbridled enthusiasm.

Below is an example of a cabinet encased in the joys of reflections. This cabinet is made of water colour and metallic paper, hair (hairwork), and watercolour panels.

Sophia Jane Maria Bonnell (English – circa 1748 – 1841) and Mary Anne Harvey Bonnell (English – 1748 – 1853)

Paper Filigree Cabinet circa 1789

The plan is to show more of the art in categories. However, due to the plethora of photos to comb through, It will happen between street art posts.

Anna Maria Von Schurman (Dutch 1607- 1678)

Self-Portrait -1633 – engraving on paper

Anna mastered 14 languages. Her proto-feminist treatise The Learned Maid was published in Latin in 1638

One art blogger has agreed to come on as a guest.

Katherine Read (English 1723 -1778)

British Gentlemen in Rome – circa 1750 – oil on canvas

I’m swept away.

Photos © Resa McConaghy

95 thoughts on “Making Her Mark – Overview”

    1. Hello Martha,

      Yes, and that was a point of this show. When one walked in there was a large question written on the wall; Why have there been no great women artists?

      That question is the basis of a famous essay by Linda Nochlin in 1971. Seems the answer is that women were considered lesser than men therefore thought able not able to be great, not allowed to be schooled in art, or their work was hidden away, collected by some friends and family.

      Times have changed and many know different now. It was wonderful to see this show and realize that there have always been great women artists.

      Reply

    1. The show is phenomenal. Some of the works are borrowed form galleries, but much is from private collections.

      As far I know this show is only exhibiting here and in Baltimore.

      Reply

    1. It is the art exhibit of a lifetime for me. I think because there are so many pieces in it and much of it hidden in private collections.

      Of course, the joy of seeing product from my long ago sisters is bewitching.

      There’s a cool show coming up in December…Tissot … it won’t be as exciting, but it’s bound to be beautiful.

      https://ago.ca/exhibitions/tissot-women-and-time

      Reply

        1. Yes! it’s wonderful to be fortunate this way.
          Hey, you live in a museum of nature, in a way.
          Hmm, I live in an alley museum.
          More good fortune for the both of us!

          Reply

    1. Dahling!

      I must have had a huge smile on my face, because people/strangers kept talking to me about pieces. Certainly, I did not look like an AGO employee.

      I did my best with the shots. Not all came out, but there are many I want to share.

      xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

      Reply

    1. You should have seen this, Eunice!

      There was a huge amount of nature paintings…lots of flowers. I’ll be doing a post on those in the future. xx

      Reply

    1. Tim, I’m still blown away. There was a section on laces & embroidery. Of course the handmade laces from the 1400’s were in plexiglass. There was 1 gown from the 1700’s. Fabrics do not stand the test of time well. xx

      Reply
      1. Timothy Price

        Fabrics do tend to deteriorate over time. It’s amazing they had any lace and gowns going back to the 15th and 18th centuries.

        Reply

        1. True!

          Fabric rots. Understandable why these pieces are kept encased, away from any elements.

          There are some books encased in controlled atmosphere that date back to 1500. The books are HUGE, pages at least 14 x 20″. They are completely done by hand… and they are art to look at.

          Reply
          1. Timothy Price

            Laurie has been transcribing pages from books back as far as the 800s and some of the books were large like that. I printed and framed a page of Psalm 1 from the Eadwine Psalter (around 1150) for Laurie. It’s 18×13 inches. I have a facsimile of The Book of Beast from the 1200s. It’s 8×12 inches.

            I’m feeling a little medieval writing this comment. It’s taken me all afternoon to write because WP keeps crashing. So frustrating.

            Speaking of medieval have you seen this video? https://youtu.be/pdkucf6wxU4?si=YDDMvaZtLXes-tCB

            Reply

  8. I’d love to see this exhibition, Resa, especially since it features women artists during time periods when the work of men was give so much more attention. It makes me wonder about the lives of these artists. Thanks so much for sharing your visit to the AGO.

    Reply

    1. Not only was men’s art given more attention, women were not allowed to study let alone show or sell. They were considered incapable of creating great art. Only men were able.

      There were no academies of art for women until the mid 1800’s. Women who were privileged learned under male relatives/friends who were artists. They painted for family and friends.

      I’ve read about one exception, of a woman who had shows and sold publicly, so far. Still, there were women who sold to family and friends who made enough money to support their families.

      There’s a famous essay from 1971 by Linda Nochlin – Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?

      It’s worth a read. Not that much has changed, considering the world as a whole.

      Reply

      1. I was going to mention how hard it was for women to learn and show their art. They usually had to come from wealth and have family or benefactor support on top of that. We’ve come a long way and there’s farther to go.

        Reply

        1. Yes.. it was for the wealthy, and merchant classes.
          There are 5 etchings on paper done in the 1600’s that are renderings of poor people.
          Those images are very editorial for those times. Of course the etchings are done by women from an upper class. I’m glad someone documented the poor.

          It’s looking like those will be around 4-5 posts in.
          Self portraits are up next, so we can meet some of these women.

          Reply

  9. This looks to be a Stella (<stellar….get it?😁) exhibition. You actually beat me to what I was going to say in that there was always great female artists but as usual male dominance in the past overshadowed them – so it's fab to see them get some light. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    1. This is a fantastic STELLAR show to say the least.

      I’ve got lots to share, over time….between street art. I’m drowning in art.

      Thank you, Tyeth!

      Reply

    1. Me too!
      I was mesmerized looking at the Macaw. The colours were still so vibrant.
      I’m lucky to have gotten good shots of the Macaw. All the watercolours are under glass.
      The reflections can make it impossible to shoot.
      I had to shoot from a distance at times, or on a slight angle.
      Needless to say not every shot worked out, but enough to keep me happy!

      Reply

    1. Liz. the show is golden!
      That painting “Personification of Music” is one of my favourites from the show.
      Just one of those things!

      Reply

    1. It is a great show. Lol! You haven’t seen the last of it! Self portraits will be next, after some street art.
      There are 230 pieces, and I took several or more shots of each. The photo files are somewhat overwhelming!
      🐂 🐂

      Reply

        1. Oboy!
          Yeah.. lighting causes glare. I find a slight angle may get rid of the glare, but not distort the painting.
          Also, try stepping back. You will notice reflections change position. Of course, depending, a bit of zoom might be required.
          Then, the hardest for me is capturing the whole thing, frame and all straight and dead on. OX

          Reply

    1. Welcome!
      It is wonderful. I think it’s going to show, or did in Baltimore.
      Anyway, lots of images still to share, and each one a gift from our sisters in the past!

      Reply

  15. I enjoy watercolors a lot so that macaw definitely made my day. Looks like a wonderful exhibit, Resa. I can feel that enthusiasm you had from visiting it.😊

    Reply

    1. That Macaw had me mesmerized! After out 250 years, the colours are still vibrant.
      I’m still filled with enthusiasm, and as time goes by will share more pics!
      Thank you, Bruce!

      Reply

  16. Loving all the woman power even back in the 1600s. Fantastic shots you took. And I always thought we weren’t allowed to take pics in the gallery. Thanks for letting us know the rules. Hugs ❤ xxx

    Reply

    1. Our historical sisters rock!

      Yeah, I checked before I went. They may have changed their policy, and certain shows may have specific policies.
      However, in general, taking pics is allowed.

      I’ve got several posts to do on this show, as time goes by. The photo files from that day are daunting, but I just have to share more!
      xo🌹🎨xo

      Reply

    1. Yes. Well I have more posts on this coming up. Too, much to show all at once.
      I want us to meet some of the women artists, so self portraits will be the next post on this show. xo

      Reply

  18. Wonderful idea. One tends to forget many women artists of the past. They had to struggle to get along.

    I now always take pictures in museums. (Unless formally prohibited). No flash of course, it destroys the colours in very short term.

    Reflections and lighting are a problem. But then so many “activists” now spray major works with anything from Campbell soup to actual paint, museums will end up putting glass over all paintings… 🙄 A trick for reflections: since most light comes from above I lift my phone as high up as my arms can. Helps in most cases…

    Thanks for the post Resa. (I hadn’t seen it yet, I normally get yours every Monday, a WP feature that works well)

    🌹💕

    Reply

    1. Yeah… women’s struggles .. sick. Still struggling.

      Life on the planet has been a struggle for most since the beginning. Not a lot makes sense. Still, I’m grateful to be born in the time and place of my good fortune.

      Thanks for the pics tip!
      A WP feature that works well. There’s hope!
      🌹🌹🌹

      Reply

  20. An art gallery that showcases European female artists, how cool is THAT!! I love them all but the British Gentlemen in Rome is my fave, like you, I was swept away by it too!

    Reply

    1. It’s definitely my fave art show I ever went to.
      I have more pics for future posts between street art posts.
      It’s great, because you and others will see more, and I get to linger on.

      Reply

  23. Beauty . .

    Passion . .

    Art . .

    Mystery . . .

    All of this and more in this post, Resa.

    These paintings are so vivid, like candy to the eyes. I love it.

    And a woman so far ahead of her time, what is NOT to love?

    Reply

  24. Wow! Resa, stunning photos of these beautiful works of art – no wonder your spirits are flying high! I can’t believe you are allowed to take photos and then to share on social media. These are a gem, I like them all but am particularly impressed by Anna Maria Von Schurman and I wouldn’t mind owning that cabinet! 😀 Annika

    Reply

    1. Thanks Annika!
      Yeah, I checked online before I went, and the AGO’s policy is there. We can take pics and share…but no commercial endeavours!

      Agree, Anna Maria Von Schurman is impressive. And that cabinet is crazy fabulous. Who makes furniture out of paper and hair anymore.
      The cabinet is not only stunning gorgeous, but a testament to how people did not waste anything.
      In this case we should learn from the past.
      I’m thrilled you got to see this!
      Resa – ❦🌹

      Reply

  25. What a fabulous show, Resa, and I can just imagine the joy in your heart that you felt while viewing and taking photos. These were amazing women, and I’m so glad you were able to attend, so then you could share with us! 💖🌷

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Lauren!

      Eeeee! Sent you a drawing of Copper!!!

      I’ve got lots more pics, and hoping Rebecca will join me for the next article on this fantastic show… “Self Portraits”.
      I thought it would be neat to meet some of these women, before showing more of their art.
      In the meantime, I’ve got lots of street art, while I work on future articles.

      I’m luxuriating in the arts…. all of them!
      xo❦🌹🎨xo

      Reply

  28. This is fantabulous, Sorceress! I believe we are supposed to get a similar exposition in Montreal. What is not to love and how inspiring to learn about women who were feminists before the term was even thought up.

    Beauty! Looking forward to more. xoxoxo

    Reply

    1. Thunder!
      Yes, it’s a most thrilling exhibit.
      I wonder if you’ll get the same one, or some of the same pieces?
      They almost had to throw me out. I was there for hours.
      Working on a self portraits post with a guest… Rebecca Budd. We’re having a blast!
      xoxoxo

      Reply

      1. Sweet!!
        I’m hoping it’s not the one I missed…
        Hahaha! Love it.
        And ooohhh… self portrait! Love it. How cool for you and Rebecca.
        xoxoxo

        Reply

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