Paintresses in Naples in the 19th century

Abstract

Through the words of the coeval critics, we analyse the issues related to the reception and diffusion of the women’s artistic expression in the Nineteenth century in Naples. The process of professionalization of female artists, in the delicate transition from wide amateurism to the possibility of being admitted to the Real Istituto di Belle Arti, is outlined considering women’s presence in the exhibition areas of Naples and the importance of obtaining the qualification to teach drawing in schools.    Whereas in Paris female artists, excluded from cultural life, exhibit their works in the separatist Salon des Femmes, in Naples the Biennali Borboniche, the Promotrice Napoletana and the Esposizione Nazionale di Belle Arti of 1877 launch paintresses and sculptresses on the market, providing important opportunities for their visibility.    The complicated path to the recognition of female artists’ professional status can be said to be accomplished in a number of women who fulfil themselves as full-time paintresses, embracing professional careers and joining international exhibitions.