The Women of Impressionism: The Influence of Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt, and Eva Gonzalès on the Art Market

My thesis addresses three overlooked female Impressionist artists, Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt, and Eva Gonzalès, the hardships that they faced during their lifetimes, the sociological and political influences that shaped their narratives, and the triumphs that allow us to call them great female artists today. Art historians and feminists alike, such as the exalted Linda Nochlin, have searched for understanding as to why so many extraordinary female artists have gone unnoticed throughout art history, often leaving more questions than answers. To better understand each of these women I analyze both an iconic work and the highest selling work at auction for each, providing an intimate perspective with which to view their lives, careers, tribulations, and accomplishments. My thesis expands the conversation to the modern art market spearheaded by Paul Durand-Ruel. I conclude with an analysis of sales data comparing recent auction sales of these three women against three comparable male peers to glean a more complete understanding of how historically neglected female Impressionists are faring in today’s feminist landscape