Female artists have long been redefining boundaries, pushing the limits of creativity even when the odds were stacked against them. While history may have favored their male counterparts, the influence of these famous female artists is undeniable.
They fought not only for recognition but for the freedom to express themselves in a male-dominated art world, breaking conventions and challenging societal norms. Their struggles have led to powerful, lasting impacts, reshaping the course of art history.
These women artists didn’t just create art— they changed the way the world perceives it. Let’s explore their significant contributions and enduring legacies.
1. Artemisia Gentileschi
Artemisia Gentileschi, a Baroque painter, is one of the most powerful figures among famous female artists in art history. As a young woman, she overcame incredible adversity, including a well-documented assault, and transformed her struggles into powerful art. Known for her dramatic depictions of mythological scenes, Gentileschi’s work is filled with emotion and intensity. Her use of light and shadow is masterful, capturing the raw emotions of her subjects. Gentileschi challenged the norms of a male-dominated art world, becoming a major figure in the Baroque movement. She often portrayed strong female figures, using her artistic talent to give voice to women’s struggles.
Famous Artemisa Gentileschi Artworks
- Judith Slaying Holofernes
- Susanna and the Elders
- Cleopatra
See all Artemisia Gentileschi artworks.
2. Georgia O’Keeffe
Georgia O’Keeffe, often called the “Mother of American Modernism,” revolutionized American art with her abstract paintings of flowers and landscapes. O’Keeffe had a unique way of capturing the essence of natural subjects, zooming in on small details to emphasize their beauty. Her bold use of color and form distinguished her in the modern art scene. O’Keeffe was also among the first female painters to break through in a male-dominated art world, gaining recognition for her ability to translate nature into striking fine art. She studied at the Art Students League in New York, where she developed her style, before spending much of her later life in the American Southwest, where the landscapes deeply influenced her work.
Famous Georgia O’Keeffe Artworks
- Jimson Weed
- Black Iris
- Red Canna
3. Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt, an American Impressionist painter and printmaker, became known for her intimate domestic scenes depicting women and children. She was one of the few female artists who actively participated in the Impressionist movement, standing alongside peers like Degas and Monet. Cassatt’s work is characterized by her gentle brushwork, use of light, and attention to detail, particularly when portraying the bond between mothers and children. Her choice to depict the everyday life of women painters was revolutionary in a time when the art world was focused on grand, public scenes. Cassatt’s dedication to showing the inner lives of women made her a vital figure in art history.
Famous Mary Cassatt Artworks
- The Child’s Bath
- Mother and Child
- Little Girl in a Blue Armchair
4. Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama is one of the most well-known contemporary artists, famous for her obsessive use of polka dots and immersive installations. Her work often reflects her struggles with mental health, turning her fears and obsessions into fascinating visual experiences. Kusama’s infinity mirror rooms allow viewers to step into a world where boundaries between space and time dissolve, creating an almost otherworldly experience. As one of the most influential female artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, Kusama continues to be a prominent figure among contemporary female artists, inspiring new generations with her performance art and bold visions.
Famous Yayoi Kusama Artworks
- Infinity Mirror Rooms
- Pumpkin
- Dots Obsession
5. Hilma af Klint
Hilma af Klint, a Swedish artist, was a pioneer of abstract art, creating her revolutionary works long before the movement became widely recognized. She explored spiritual themes through her paintings, which were often large and filled with geometric shapes and symbols. Though largely unknown during her time, af Klint is now celebrated as a visionary, with her work considered among the most innovative of the early 20th century. Her bold compositions challenged the traditional approach to art and placed her among the most celebrated artists today. Klint’s work was deeply personal, often connected to her spiritual beliefs and interests in the occult.
Famous Hilfma af Klint Artworks
- The Ten Largest
- Tree of Knowledge
- Altarpiece No. 1
6. Berthe Morisot
Berthe Morisot stands out as one of the leading figures of the Impressionist movement. She became one of the first female painters to exhibit with the Impressionists, defying the norms of the male-dominated art world. Her work is known for its delicate brushstrokes and the soft rendering of light. Morisot often focused on domestic scenes of women and children, using her artistic abilities to explore everyday life from a female perspective. Her unique style made her one of the most important women painters of her time, and she influenced many future generations of female artists. Her ability to capture emotion with such subtlety and grace sets her apart in art history.
Famous Berthe Morisot Artworks
- The Cradle
- Summer’s Day
- Woman at Her Toilette
7. Sofonisba Anguissola
Sofonisba Anguissola broke new ground during the Renaissance as one of the first female artists to achieve international recognition. Born into an aristocratic family, she gained early attention for her skill in painting self-portraits and other portraits. Her detailed work, especially her ability to capture subtle facial expressions, earned her the admiration of peers like Michelangelo. Anguissola became the court painter for Philip II of Spain, where she painted many noble figures. Her accomplishments helped open doors for many female artists during a time when few women were admitted to the world of fine arts.
Famous Sofonisba Anguissola Artworks
- Self-Portrait at the Easel
- Portrait of Queen Elizabeth of Valois
- The Chess Game
8. Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun
Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun was a prolific French Rococo painter known for her elegant and detailed portraits of aristocratic women. As one of the few female artists admitted to the Royal Academy, she quickly became the favorite portraitist of Queen Marie Antoinette. Vigée Le Brun was a master of capturing grace, opulence, and femininity, often reflecting the female body in idealized yet realistic ways. Despite her success, she had to flee France during the Revolution, yet continued her career in other European courts. Her paintings were marked by their richness in color and attention to texture, and she remains one of the most famous female painters of her era.
Famous Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun Artworks
- Marie Antoinette and Her Children
- Self-Portrait with Her Daughter
- Portrait of Madame Grand
9. Louise Bourgeois
Louise Bourgeois was a revolutionary sculptor and one of the most influential contemporary female artists of the 20th century. Her work explored themes of family, memory, and the human body, often using abstract forms. Bourgeois’s sculptures, such as her iconic Maman (a giant spider), reflected the complexity of emotions tied to family relationships. Her art was deeply personal, often referencing her childhood trauma and her relationship with her parents. Though not a painter, Bourgeois worked in the same period as the abstract expressionist movement, using abstract forms to express intense personal themes. Bourgeois continued to push boundaries in modern art, becoming a symbol of persistence and creativity in women’s art.
Famous Louise Bourgeois Artworks
- Maman
- Destruction of the Father
- Cells
10. Rosa Bonheur
Rosa Bonheur became a renowned Realist painter in the 19th century, gaining recognition for her vivid and lifelike paintings of animals. Unlike many other female painters of her time, Bonheur was granted permission to wear men’s clothing, allowing her to attend animal markets and study her subjects more closely. Her works were celebrated for their attention to detail and their dynamic composition. Bonheur’s paintings reflect her deep love for animals and nature, making her one of the most famous female artists of her era. She was a trailblazer, not only in her art but in challenging gender norms in the art world.
Famous Rosa Bonheur Artworks
- The Horse Fair
- Plowing in the Nivernais
- Weaning the Calves
11. Tamara de Lempicka
Tamara de Lempicka rose to fame as a bold Art Deco painter in the 1920s and 1930s. Her work is characterized by its sleek, modern style and its celebration of luxury, wealth, and sensuality. She became known for her striking portraits and nudes, which often depicted women in empowered, sensual poses. De Lempicka’s life mirrored her art; she lived a glamorous, bohemian lifestyle that made her a famous female artist of her time. Her work, marked by its geometric shapes and vibrant colors, is still celebrated in art history for its unique fusion of classicism and modernity. Her daring, expressive style continues to inspire contemporary artists.
Famous Tamara de Lempicka Artworks
- Self-Portrait (Tamara in a Green Bugatti)
- Portrait of Madame Boucard
- Adam and Eve
12. Angelica Kauffman
Angelica Kauffman was a pioneering Neoclassical painter and one of the founding members of the Royal Academy in London, making her one of the most influential female artists of the 18th century. Known for her historical paintings, Kauffman gained widespread recognition for her ability to capture moral and intellectual ideals. As one of the few women artists in her time to focus on large-scale, narrative works, Kauffman’s paintings were admired for their grace and emotion. Her ability to seamlessly blend classical themes with human emotion made her a seminal figure in fine arts during the Enlightenment.
Famous Angelica Kauffman Artworks
- Cornelia, Mother of the Gracchi
- The Artist in the Character of Design Listening to the Inspiration of Poetry
- Hector Calls Paris to Arms
13. Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo is one of the most iconic female artists of the 20th century, known for her deeply personal self-portraits and explorations of identity, pain, and cultural heritage. Born in Mexico, Kahlo’s work reflects her struggles with physical pain from a bus accident and emotional pain from her tumultuous relationships. Her surrealist, yet deeply autobiographical style resonated with women artists and feminists around the world. Her distinctive blend of vibrant color and symbolism made her one of the most recognizable figures in art history. Kahlo’s influence extends far beyond the art world, making her a global icon of resilience and self-expression.
Famous Frida Kahlo Artworks
- The Two Fridas
- Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird
- The Broken Column
14. Tracey Emin
Tracey Emin is a renowned contemporary British artist known for her emotionally raw and autobiographical works. As a leading figure in the performance art and feminist artist movements, Emin has never shied away from controversial or deeply personal themes. Her installations, such as her infamous My Bed, invite viewers into her private world, blurring the lines between art and real life. Emin’s work reflects themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and identity, making her one of the most significant contemporary female artists today. Her fearless approach to storytelling and self-expression continues to inspire artists today in the art world.
Famous Tracey Emin Artworks
- My Bed
- Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963–1995
- The Last Great Adventure Is You
15. Judith Leyster
Judith Leyster was a Dutch painter, famous for her genre scenes and portraits that often featured everyday life. As one of the few successful women painters of her time, Leyster carved out a space for herself in a male-dominated art world. Her work is recognized for its lively depiction of domestic activities, often with a focus on women. Leyster was a master of capturing mood and character, using light and color to bring her subjects to life. She became one of the most talented female painters of the 17th century. Judith Leyster’s genre scenes are some of the most famous paintings from the Dutch Golden Age.
Famous Judith Leyster Artworks
- The Proposition
- A Boy and a Girl with a Cat and an Eel
- Merry Company
Frequently Asked Questions About Famous Female Artists
Who was the first Female Professional Artist in Western Art?
Sofonisba Anguissola, an Italian Renaissance painter, is often considered the first female professional artist in Western art history, gaining recognition for her portraits at a young age.
What Art Movement was the first to include Female Artists?
The Impressionist movement was the first to significantly include great women artists like Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot, who became key figures in this important chapter of art history.
What Art Movement is Dedicated to Woman Artists?
The Feminist Art Movement, emerging in the late 1960s and 1970s, is the art movement specifically dedicated to women artists.
What Art Medium is commonly used by Female Artists?
Many female artists use painting and sculpture as their primary mediums, contributing significantly to the development of fine art across various movements, including the abstract expressionist movement.
What Art Techniques are commonly used by Female Artists?
Female artists often explore a wide range of techniques, from traditional oil painting to modern installations. Techniques like self-portraits and mixed media have been common in New York art circles.
