Die Malweiber

A young woman around 1900 had to muster great self-confidence and considerable resilience if she wanted to pursue her artistic ambitions. The academies were closed to her, and private art schools were expensive. Nevertheless, many women chose the arduous path and, although often mocked as "female painters," remained steadfast in their artistic goals. This book presents the magnificent artworks and courageous life paths of renowned female artists such as Paula Modersohn-Becker, Clara Rilke-Westhoff, Gabriele Münter, Käthe Kollwitz, and many other entirely unknown "female painters" who have often been overlooked by art historians.