Gender in Art: Unit 4

Like many things in life, Art is affected by the artists’ gender. Women and men are raised in different way, and as such view certain subjects of art differently. Depending on the subject a man might be more aggressive towards it, or the female might be aggressive towards it. This is shown through the 2 paintings of Judith and Holofernes. The one painted by Caravaggio shows the women as being displeased by the act that they have to do. This probably due to the fact that as a man he views women as pristine and something like killing someone didn’t seem like something that a woman would enjoy. However, the one done by Gentileschi shows both women completely into the act, and not at all disgusted. This is probably due to the fact that she herself understands that a woman can become completely engrossed of the act of killing someone for what she deems is right. Susannah and the Elders also exemplify the way men see things versus the way women see things. Even now, society tends to sometimes make women who were raped victims seem like temptresses who were asking for it. Tintoretto shows this in his painting, the men don’t even seem scary and capable of rape. However, Gentileschi shows the fear a woman can sometimes feel when being prayed on by older men. Yet, it is up to us as viewers to decide which piece we see as a true representation of the subject.