Visualizing Feminism: Women's Exhibitions and the First Feminist Wave in the Netherlands

Abstract

This master’s thesis explores how the participation and representation of women artists and their artworks in six inaugural all-women exhibitions between 1871 and 1913 embodied the objectives of the first feminist movement in the Netherlands. The research delves into the socio-historical context of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, focusing on the intersections between women’s artistry and feminist activism. Through a detailed examination of archival materials, publications from the first feminist movement, exhibition catalogs, artists’ letters, and critiques, this study reveals how these exhibitions provided platforms for challenging societal constraints and advocating for women’s rights.

The methodology includes a comparative analysis of the exhibitions, highlighting organizational dynamics, exhibition themes, and the role of feminist agendas. The findings demonstrate that these exhibitions not only showcased women’s artistic talents but also served as arenas for feminist advocacy, promoting educational and professional opportunities for women. By analyzing the artworks and the participation of women artists, this thesis illustrates how these exhibitions reflected and advanced the objectives of the first feminist wave, contributing to the broader movement for women’s emancipation in the Netherlands.

The study concludes that the six inaugural women’s exhibitions played a role in visualizing feminist ideals, advocating for women’s rights, and challenging the gender norms of their time. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the historical relationship between the feminist movements and women’s artistry.