This acclaimed study challenges art historical assumptions that classify women artists, such as Artemisia Gentileschi, as exceptions who "transcended" their sex in achieving major works of art. In fact, many other women have produced paintings, sculptures and crafts since the Middle Ages, and have been neglected. This critical survey provides much more than an alternative canon of women it re-examines the works themselves and the ways in which they have been perceived as marginal, often in direct reference to gender. In her discussion of feminism, and its influence on such a reappraisal, the author also addresses the closely related issues of ethnicity, class and sexuality. For this extensively revised, expanded and newly illustrated edition, Chadwick brings her pioneering book up to date in the light of current research, while two new chapters focus on the work of contemporary artists, whose work is consciously informed by feminism.

272 illustrations, 60 in color.