Our Untold Stories
For hundreds of years, our voices have been silenced. Buried by a patriarchal society and overshadowed by men’s achievements.
The Museum of Fine Arts Boston finally unearths our untold stories, affirming women’s contributions to Renaissance art.
So unfold our stories as powerful women and reframe the forgotten history in Renaissance Italy.
The Story of a
Woman’s Strength
Sofonisba Anguissola, a remarkable female artist in Renaissance Italy, was said to have painted more self-portraits than any other artist in the splendid era.
In a time when women faced artistic limitations, she painted her way and eventually became the court painter for King Philip II of Spain, marking her own legacy in a male-dominated world.
Self Portrait by Sofonisba Anguissola
Virgin Adoring the Sleeping Christ Child by Lavinia Fontana
A Woman’s Perspective
This painting by Lavinia Fontana transcended traditional artistry, depicting Virgin Mary not just as a historical figure but as a tender, insightful mother.
Fontana, a mother herself, captured the nuanced emotion of
maternal love entwined with anticipated sorrow and breathed life
into the classic image with complex humanity.
It Goes Beyond Canvas
Undefeated by tradition, the strong women in Renaissance Italy sealed their untold stories in various mediums–paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, fashion accessories, illustrated books, and prints–and patiently waited for their stories to see the light of day.
Now, immerse yourself in this exhibition with more than 100 artworks spanning the 14th to the early 17th century and witness their inspiring tale firsthand.
Judith by Giovanni della Robbia
