Women In Art

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The history of women in the art world is a tale of perseverance, creativity and gradual recognition. Historically, female artists faced significant barriers, including limited access to formal education and professional opportunities. Despite these challenges, many made substantial contributions to art before the 20th century, such as Artemisia Gentileschi, Angelica Kauffman, Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun and Berthe Morisot. Often working in the shadows of their male counterparts, there are, of course, far fewer female names that spring to mind when thinking of the canon of art. Over time, the position of women in the art world has evolved, with increasing recognition and celebration of their work in the 20th century, brought about by iconic stars such as Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keeffe and Yayoi Kusama presenting their unique, dynamic feminine styles. Today, women artists are prominent figures in contemporary art, shaping the discourse and pushing boundaries, and this has increased the interest in collecting at auction too. Sworders is pleased to present this curated selection of female artists with their displays of creativity and diversity. There are fewer than 50 lots in a 440-lot sale, highlighting the struggle women have had to be represented in the art world.

^{Gwen John (1876-1939), View from rue Terre Neuve, Meudon (£1,000-1,500)}

Gwen John (1876-1939) was best known for her introspective portraits and still lifes. Her work, characterised by its subtle use of colour and quiet intensity, often depicted solitary women in contemplative poses. In this sale, we have two peaceful views from her studio in rue Terre Neuve, Meudon (lots 185 and 186). Despite being overshadowed by her brother Augustus John and her mentor Auguste Rodin during her lifetime, Gwen John’s art has gained significant recognition posthumously.

^{▲ Winifred Nicholson (1893-1981), 'Goats in a Cumberland Landscape', 1946 (£18,000-25,000)}

Winifred Nicholson (1893-1981) was celebrated for her vibrant still lifes and landscapes. Her delicate use of colour and light brought a unique freshness to her subjects, often flowers and natural scenes, as we see in lot 192. The softness of this oil is in stark contrast to the sharp edge and abstract forms of Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975) (lots 194 and 195). A renowned British sculptor and printmaker, her modernist work often explored the relationship between space and mass, yet her deep connection to nature is evident in her organic shapes carved in stone, wood and bronze.

^{▲ Dame Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975), 'Sea Forms', 1969 (£1,500-2,000)}

The connection between Nicholson and Hepworth was both personal and professional. Winifred Nicholson was married to Ben Nicholson from 1920 to 1938, and during this time, the couple were part of a vibrant artistic community that included Hepworth. Ben Nicholson and Hepworth met in 1931, and their relationship grew both romantically and artistically. They married in 1938, the same year Ben and Winifred divorced. Despite the personal complexities, Winifred and Barbara shared mutual respect for each other’s work. Their artistic styles, while different, both emphasised a deep connection to nature and a commitment to exploring new forms of expression.

^{▲ Louise Bourgeois (French-American, 1911-2010), 'I Have Been to Hell and Back', 2007 (£2,000-3,000)}

During her long life, French-American Louise Bourgeois (1911-2010) was a global superstar in the art world, and her sculpture, installation, printmaking and embroidery (lot 226) have had a profound impact on contemporary art. Bourgeois’s art often delves into themes of memory, trauma and the body, with her iconic spider sculptures symbolising both protection and entrapment. Another provocative figure is British Tracey Emin (b.1963) (lots 223-225), best known for her thought-provoking, often autobiographical works. Emin’s art, which includes installations, paintings and neon text pieces, often explores themes of identity, sexuality and personal trauma. Her candid and raw approach has made her a prominent figure in contemporary art.

^{▲ Tracey Emin RA (b.1963), 'The Kiss Was Beautiful', 2016 (£800-1,200)}

This curated selection showcases the remarkable contributions of women artists, highlighting their creativity, diversity and the unique perspectives they bring to the art world.

Tuesday 15 April | 10am

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