DEVELOPMENT OF FEMALE ARTIST IDENTITY IN THE 19TH CENTURY: AN EXAMINATION IN THE CONTEXT OF PRINT ART

The 19th century stands as a pivotal period in art history, marked by significant strides in both artistic expression and the struggle for women's rights. Women encountered various obstacles as they endeavoured to carve out their identities, seeking greater recognition and acceptance within the artistic sphere. However, this journey was fraught with substantial impediments to women's artistic and educational development. Initially, during the first half of the 19th century, access to art education for women was severely restricted. Often deprived of formal artistic training, they were typically relegated to home or private tutoring. This limitation significantly hindered women's efforts to establish themselves in the art world. Moreover, upon entering the realm of art, women faced societal resistance. A considerable portion of society questioned, and even outright rejected, the notion of women actively participating in the art world. Nevertheless, certain progressive artists and advocates endeavoured to strengthen the identities of female painters and secure their recognition. Over time, particularly in the latter half of the 19th century, educational opportunities expanded for some women, leading to their admission into art schools. This represented a significant step in enabling female painters to develop their artistic talents and find their expressive voices. Female painters often utilized their art to advance the cause of women's rights. Through their works, they sought to promote social change and emphasize the strength and worth of women. Consequently, female painters frequently collaborated with feminist movements. In this context, female painters typically focused on female experiences in their works. Themes such as gender roles, family dynamics, nature, and the female body were commonly explored. Additionally, female painters developed various techniques and styles to articulate their emotions and thoughts. This paper will focus on the growing interest in new techniques and styles emerging at the beginning of the 20th century, specifically focusing on Western female painters. Furthermore, it will examine the interaction between the development of the Western female artist identity and the traditional Japanese printmaking art, which holds significant prominence in Eastern art.