Class dates: Tuesdays, Feb 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10 (5 weeks)

Class time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Location: Online (via Zoom)

We will explore the changes in art over 5 centuries through the work of ten women painters. We’ll begin in the 17 ^th century with Artemesia Gentileschi in Italy and Judith Leyster in the Netherlands, both early women in their respective academies. Maria Sibylla Marian from Germany was both an artist and scientist with her work on the Metamorphosis of Caterpillars while Rachel Ruysch became internationally known for her Dutch floral paintings. Rosalba Carreira revolutionized the use of pastels as a medium in Rocco art. Elizabeth Vigee La Brun became embroiled in the French Revolution, painting more than 600 portraits, including those of Marie Antoinette. Rosa Bonheur, a French painter of livestock was the first woman artist to receive the French Legion of Honor award. Mary Cassatt was the only American to exhibit with the French Impressionists, Georgia O’Keeffe has been called “the Mother of American Modernism.” Faith Ringgold represented the American Black experience, especially through her story quilts.

Instructor: Martha Chiarchiaro has brought history to life through the art of the times for more than 30 years. She received her Masters’ degree in the History of Art from Williams College and provides a variety of art history presentations at the Worcester Art Museum, for WISE (the Worcester Institute for Senior Education), libraries, garden clubs, and other organizations. As noted on her  Seeing History   website, Martha's specialty presentations related to specific periods, artists, and activities provide an in-depth look at the life and times of people through their art.