A Studio of Her Own: Women Artists in Boston 1870-1940

by Erica Hirshler

As early as 1889, one Boston art critic had reported that "there is nothing that men do that is not done by women now in Boston." The city of Boston saw perhaps the largest concentration of women artists in the country, and "A Studio of Her Own" tells the interwoven stories of 40 of them in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It explores their lives and work both individually and communally, taking particular note of the relationships they formed, which enabled many of them to excel. Along with individual portraits of the artists, the book includes discussions of such contextual issues as the importance of the Arts and Crafts movement, concerns of marriage, family and sexuality, and the role of the MFA School. "A Studio of Her Own" is the definitive work on an important moment in America's cultural and artistic history.

Genres: Art, History, Art History, Nonfiction, Womens

227 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2001

Reviews

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book every artist and art educator should have on her shelf. It was of particular appeal to me as it covered regional female artist. Ownership is mandatory for this book, as it is not just a lender but belongs in the permanent collection of both the artist or art enthusiast.

[Nancy Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely book! The illustrations alone are worth picking this book up for. But I was also fascinated to learn more about these artists, some of whom I had heard of, but many I hadn't. (Years ago I curated a small show about Sarah Wyman Whitman's book covers, and I wrote a paper in graduate school about Ethel Reed). Such inspiring women - some of whom had to make a choice between pursuing their art or marrying and having a family.

[Samantha Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched exploration of the women artists of Boston that considers each thoughtfully in her own right as well as within the context of all the rest and the network they built for themselves.