Has there ever been a Female Gaze in the history of art? What exactly is the Female Gaze — a narrative crafted by women for women? One often ponders how our perspective today might differ if John Berger had not observed and acknowledged the concept of ‘looking’ in the 1970s.

Let us dig deeper into the (hi)story of Art, and reckon our understanding of Western Art History, particularly through the lens of evolution of Female-representation in Art since the 19th century.

The conventional representation of women came under scrutiny during the intellectual revolution that reshaped contemporary art history, particularly influenced by feminism. In European art after the Renaissance, a recurring theme emerged — the depiction of the nude form. The representation of the male nude in art has often been associated with monumentality. Sculptures of male figures were placed on pedestals that were larger than life, requiring viewers to look up at them. These figures typically stood erect, embodying ideals that trace back to ancient Greece and continued throughout history. In contrast, the depiction of the female body followed a markedly different path.

In the 1970s, art critic John Berger delved into the concept of “looking,” which led to a deeper exploration of the theme of gaze and representation in art. Berger argued that any form of visual media can never provide absolute or neutral objectivity. This view is based on earlier philosophical theories by Jean-Paul Sartre, who conceived ‘gaze,’ Le Regard as a transformative process by which the act of seeing can transform into action, thus creating a subtle but important dynamic.

Berger’s seminal BBC series “Ways of Seeing” (1972) revived his idea that “behind every thought there is a decision”. He examined centuries of visual culture from biblical narratives to the rise of Impressionism, revealing a consistent theme — painting women through the eyes of male artists. He questioned the impact of female representation through the male gaze in shaping their historical and social contexts. 

From this insight came the concept of the male gaze in feminist theory, where this phenomenon, deeply rooted in the cultural context of how art and literature often present women as objects of male desire and pleasure, perpetuates stereotypes and reinforces gender inequality in the realm of art.

Berger’s work highlighted the urgent need to rethink artistic symbolism and critique the dominant narrative alongside feminist discourse. He emphasised the importance of recognising and erasing bias in the visual arts, and paved the way for critical consideration of gender, power and identity in art.

Berger’s insights and feminist critiques of the male gaze continue to resonate even today, forcing us to scrutinise not only what we see, but how we see it and the profound implications these ideas have in shaping our contemporary understanding of art and culture.

19th Century Depictions of Women

In the 19th century, visual media often depicted women as objects of beauty and standardised symbols of domestic life. These images not only served aesthetic purposes but also reinforced traditional gender roles and patriarchal structures. Paintings such as Sandro Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” John Mailer Collier’s “Lady Godiva,” John William Waterhouse’s “A Mermaid,” and Jean-Léon Gerome’s “Venus Rising” illustrated this refined image of women, portraying them as ethereal and idealised figures within appropriate social and cultural contexts.

John Mailer Collier’s “Lady Godiva,”

However, as the 20th century progressed, art images began to change dramatically. Influenced by feminist movements and changing social attitudes, artists began to challenge the earlier conservative depictions. Women were now portrayed in complexity, freedom and diversity, marking a broader cultural shift. This shift allowed for the exploration of the nuances of women’s identities beyond mere aesthetics, contributing to the creation of an inclusive and intense image in visual culture.

Edouard Manet’s “Olympia”

A key moment in this development was Edouard Manet’s “Olympia,” which caused scandal in the 1860s for its daring depiction of a female nude. Unlike traditional female nudes such as Titian’s “Venus of Urbino” or Goya’s “Maja Desnuda,” Manet’s Olympia challenged conventions by presenting an unabashedly realistic contemporary view of women. This bold departure from artistic norms was intended to reflect the challenges of modern life, portraying the female subject not as a fixed object of desire but as a confident individual who doesn’t apologise.

“Olympia” continues to be celebrated as a masterpiece of modern design that influenced generations of artists. Her legacy lies not only in her artistic innovations but also in her role in reshaping perceptions of female representation in the arts. Manet’s “Olympia” opened the way for artists to explore new perspectives on women, focusing on their power, role and presence in historical and contemporary contexts, They were no longer a passive subject being stared at, but one who also returned the gaze of the observer.  

Georgia O’Keeffe

The importance of conversation in women’s art cannot be overstated. Suzanne Lacey, Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keeffe and others did provocative work that confronted social taboos and gender stereotypes. Their art was not just personal expression but moving social change, and challenged audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and rethink traditional ideas.

Known for her groundbreaking public art, Suzanne Lacey used performance and installation to address issues of gender violence and social justice. In contrast, Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keefe used traditional media such as the easel and watercolour to explore personal and universal issues of resistance with depth and empowerment. They became symbols.

The 20th century feminist art movement not only reshaped representations of women, it also expanded the boundaries of public discourse. By criticising social norms and praising all identities, women artists turned art into a powerful tool for criticising and empowering social issues. Their contributions continue to resonate, inspiring future generations to explore new boundaries of creativity and activism in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality and cultural emancipation.

Challenges and Contributions

Throughout history, women artists have faced discrimination in the art world. Despite challenges, they have made significant contributions, challenging stereotypes and reshaping perceptions. The Guerrilla Girls, a collective of feminist artists known for their provocative posters, have been key advocates for gender equality in art, sparking important conversations about inclusion and representation.

Historically, female artistic figures were often idolised for their physical attributes, as exemplified by iconic Renaissance paintings such as the Madonna. These images established social concepts of femininity, casting women as stereotypes of beauty and purity, and simultaneously reinforced their objectification. Among these values, an artist like Georgia O’Keefe emerged as pioneers of American modernism. Her bold and sensual flowers, landscapes and abstracts re-defied traditional gender roles, breaking down barriers with a distinctive female perspective. O’Keeffe’s brilliant contributions  paved the way for future generations of female artists to showcase their creative voices with confidence and innovation.

The resurgence of feminism in the 1970s marked a pivotal moment in art history, sparking the feminist movement. This movement faced the male-dominated arts industry head-on, pushing creative boundaries and advocating radical change. Pioneered by artists such as Mary Beth Adelson, Cindy Sherman, Lynn Hershman Leeson, and Hannah Wilke, each sought unique ways to challenge and redefine representations of women in art. These artists, through their bold and unapologetic statements, broke traditional boundaries that  relegated women to being passive subjects, they supported and amplified women’s voices in contemporary art. The contributions of these artists and practitioners have revolutionised the contemporary art landscape, creating a more inclusive and equitable space where women’s storytelling is celebrated and valued. Their legacy sustainably inspires and empowers artists and audiences alike, emphasising gendered journeys and equality in art and society.

In conclusion, the evolution of women’s representation in art reflects broader societal changes and challenges throughout history. From the idealised and objectified figures of the Renaissance to the bold, empowered subjects of contemporary feminist art, women artists have continuously pushed boundaries and reshaped cultural narratives. 

John Berger’s foundation on the politics of visual representation still resonates with contemporary discourse. By critiquing the male gaze and advocating for a more inclusive art world, Berger laid the groundwork for an ongoing conversation about gender, power, and identity in art. 

With the ever evolving understanding of gender throughout history, artists such as Yoko Ono and Marina Abramovic have reimagined the emerging definition of feminine representation through the unconventional medium of performance. 

The agency of female representation has been boldly taken over by the female practitioners of our current times, as art in the 21st century moves away from mere possibilities of female representation to an expression and claiming of female sexuality.  

Text by Rageshree Ranade