I am having so much fun researching possible topics for my dissertation! For a long time I have known I wanted to look at women and their role in art, particularly in the Renaissance.  I find the 16th and 17th Centuries are especially interesting when it comes to women and art and this is confirmed whenever I speak to people about the subject.

The most popular response when I explain what I want to do in my dissertation is “Were there actually any women artists in the Renaissance”. Well, I say, there certainly was.

I have been looking in depth at a book called “Old Mistresses” by the fantastic Rozsika Parker and Griselda Pollock. They are both amazing female writers and raise many points on the position of women throughout the development of art.

Whilst reading the book, I have compiled a list of some twenty known female artists in the 16th and 17th Centuries. An interesting point, particularly in the case of Judith Leyster, is that until very recently, these women’s works were often passed of as men’s.

Leyster “Self-Portrait”

“James Laver wrote on women artists of the 17th century:
Some women artists tried to emulate Frans Hals but the vigorous brush strokes of the master were beyond their capability, one has to only look at the works of a painter like Judith Leyster to detect the weakness of the feminine hand…”

Subsequently, “Leyster’s existence was rediscovered in 1892 when a painting thought to be by Hals was found to have Judith Leyster’s signature” (Pollock and Parker, Old Mistresses)

It is near ironic how many men have commented on “the weakness of the feminine hand” only for their obvious lack of research to become evident later.

Perhaps my favourite and most thought-provoking comment in the book for me was one explaining the origin of the title “Old Mistresses”. The term ‘Old Master’ conjures associations of extremely talented and gifted male artists, excelling in everything they do. The female equivalent, ‘Old Mistress’, has completely different connotations all together. The other women? Haggard? Old? Whatever thoughts come to mind, they probably aren’t any praising the talent of women artists.

  

After a trip to Ikea yesterday, I finally got my desk! I have been waiting for a desk since me and Stuart moved into our flat but a million other expenses prevented us from getting one until now.

I was so excited to have somewhere proper to sit and do uni work at and to also finally have somewhere to put my laptop. We managed to put it up last night without much hassel and I have spent the morning getting everything arranged. Having a nice place to work at actually gets me motivated for my final year at university which I start in two weeks time (eek!). It even has a magnetic white board where I can scribble notes and stick things till my heart’s content!

 

I once read in a blog that should never feel a need to apologise for any break in your writing… but I am sorry for such a long absence. Things have been very busy for me in the ‘real’ world but I’m feeling more settled now and, quite honestly, I just miss blogging!

I have been away so long it even occured to me that it might have been a little too long to start up this blog again. But then it occured to me that that was a very silly idea.

There is so much to update everyone on, but the most exciting thing which has happened since I have been away is a trip to Rome! Avid readers will remember when the trip was first organised and it more than lived up to our expectations. The food was divine, the weather hot and the sights amazing. Four days was no where near long enough!

Despite the minimal length of the trip, we managed to squeeze alot in. I was very eager to see some of Caravaggio’s pieces which I studied earlier this year. To see them in the church which they were originally painted for was wonderful and brought a whole new meaning to his work.

We, of course, also visited the Vatican. The amount of art in that place was immense. In fact our guide for the day told us if you were to take 60 seconds to look at each piece of art in the Vatican, it would take you 12 years to see everything!

 

I took so many photographs it was very hard to choose a select few, but I think this collection shows the diversity of the capital. Although there was a very high intensity of traffic, (the amount of scooters and motorbikes was unbelievable) there were areas completely absent of any noise.

I’m off to make some long over-due comments now. I must congratulate Blaze too, for she’s only gone and got engaged! How exciting! I’m looking forward to following her wedding plans over at her blog, you can bet it will be full of unique and wonderful ideas.

I must apologise for my un-announced break from blogging.

I started a three-week work placement in an Art department in a secondary school last Monday which I am thoroughly enjoying. However, it does seem to be taking up much of my time – I have alot of lesson planning to do for the lesson I am teaching on Thursday (eek!)

I was planning on touching base at the weekend but unfortunately my house got broken into while me and the boy were there. It was very frightening and I’m still really jumpy and shocked by it. Luckily, nothing was taken, it appears that we gave the buglers quite a shock when they discovered we were in, but it is still really disturbing to wake up to someone being in your house. Anyway, onwards and upwards.

I hope everyone is well, I will post soon with info on the lesson I am planning, it is very exciting! Till then I will be taking a short break.

“Fort Lauderdale” 2000 Photographer: Constantine Manos

Biscuits are delicious enough without the people over at Biscuiteers making them look irresistible. Take a look at these lovely decorated and brilliantly packaged treats:

In review of my to-do list I put together last week, I have been very lazy. Let’s take a look.

1. Start to pack things up for moving day
2. Find some suitable clothes for when I’m teaching
3. Find a watch to cover up my tattoo on my wrist
4. Research and buy Stuart’s birthday present (unfortunately i can’t post my ideas so far, he occasionally reads my blog!)
5. Produce a piece of art (god knows what yet) for my dad for Fathers Day
6. ^ For which I need some new art supplies

I have decided that it would be best if Stuart and me pack together because I need a boy to lift down the heavy boxes I have also found a few clothes for teaching but need some more. And with regards to the piece of art for my dad, I’m working on it.

However, in some sweep of irregular good fortune, it is sunny in Manchester so I’m hoping it will give me some new and much need motivation in completing my list!