The Middle Ages and the Renaissance - Essay Example

The middle ages and the Renaissance Question Herrad of Landsberg, an Alsatian nun in the 12th century typifies the role of women in influencing cultural changes and arts in the early societies. Nuns were revered women at the time. Besides influencing the instillation of cultural values and respect for both religion and respect for women at the time, some nuns became perfect artists thereby enhancing the growth of arts and proving that women would also take part in a male dominated practice. Numerous other nuns including Saint Hildegard of Bingen and Saint Catherine of Bologna enjoined the growing number of women taking part in the growth of arts in their societies.

Religion was a vital cultural feature at the time. Religion influenced the cultural and social values in a society. Furthermore, religion influenced governance since religious leaders advised leaders. As such, religion was a fundamental cultural tenet in the early societies. The role of women in religion safeguarded the position of nuns thereby safeguarding some of the fundamental principles of faith. Additionally, Herrad of Landsberg portrayed the role of women in enhancing the growth of knowledge and safeguarding the position of women in the society.

She used arts to show the ability of women to learn and take part in arts. By authoring the Hortus deliciarum, a pictoral encyclopedia she sought to enhance the spread of knowledge besides proving the ability of women to take part in arts. The encyclopedia comprised of paintings and poems that helped grow both arts and the enlightenment of women. Her works were among the earliest forms of feminist movements. Question 2 Lavinia Fontana was among the earliest female artists in Italy. She was the daughter of a painter a feature that influenced her involvement in the art.

Painted in 1576, Christ with the Symbols of the Passion is one of her works. Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun on the other hand was one of the most renowned female painters in Northern Europe in the 18th century. She created several works including Portrait of Princess Alexandra Golitsyna and her son Piotr in 1794. The two women had numerous similarities and differences all of which influenced their works and participation in the various forms of arts. Key among the similarities was the fact that they were both daughters of painters (McGuire 55).

They therefore inherited the art from their fathers. Their involvement in the art was in a bid to foster the growth of their respective family business. However, the two women lived in different times and locations thereby creating unique works that addressed different social issues. Lavinia Fontana for example lived at a time when the Roman Catholic sought the use of arts to enhance the creation of a cohesive church. Numerous artists at the time created various religious artifacts depecting the life of Christ.

Fontana was not any different. She created Christ with the Symbols of the Passion in her attempt to grab win a portion of the market. Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun on the other hand lived in a politicized society. The portrait of princess Alexandria was proof of her political works. Additionally, her works represented the French revolution. Works citedMcGuire, Therese B. "Monastic Artists and Educators of the Middle Ages." Women"s ArtJournal. 9.2 (F/W 1989): 3-9. Print.