Top 10 Best Female Painters and Artists of All Time (Plus Lesser Known Female Artists)

In this post we wanted to highlight the best female painters and female artists of all time as well as some lesser known female painters who have had a strong influence on the art world.

We’ve broken this down into two sections

(our opinion of the) Top 10 best female painters (in chronological order)
plus other artists who we feel deserve more credit

Some of the best female painters of all time are Mary Cassatt, Tamara de Lempicka, Georgia O’Keeffe, Frida Kahlo, Louise Bourgeois, Yayoi Kusama, and Jenny Saville.

If you want to see more of our artist lists check out the below:

Top 10 Best Female Painters of All Time

1. Sofonisba Anguissola (c. 1532–1625)

Probably one of the earliest recognized female artists was Sofonisba Anguissola. During the time of the seemingly male dominated artworld of the Renaissance era, Anguissola was creating beautiful pieces or portraiture and miniatures which later became highly influential.

She held apprenticeships under local painters at a time when most women were only schooled within domestic settings. Interestingly, she actually even had a mentorship under Michelangelo, which further polished her skills.

2. Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–c. 1652)

Artemisia Gentileschi is known for her play with darker themes of biblical and mythological narratives in her large scale paintings during 17th century Italy.

She displayed women in her work not as victims but as heroes pulling from her own background and personal life.

Being the first female artist to gain membership into Florence’s esteemed Fine Art Academy, Gentileschi undeniably challenged the societal norms of 17th century Italy. She even went onto eclipse many of her male contemporaries.

Her personal life was punctuated by hardship and tragedy, most notably the infamous rape incident by fellow artist Agostino Tassi. Yet her personal turmoil added layers of intensity to her work. The intensity and verve that defines Gentileschi’s work is exemplified in her masterpiece, “Judith Slaying Holofernes” (shown above). This painting showcases Gentileschi’s raw portrayal of female empowerment, a theme not commonly perceived in the art of that era.

3. Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun (1755–1842)

Next, we have Vigée Le Brun another artist who defied norms of her time in late 18th-century Paris.

Born in 1755, she rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most treasured French painters, thanks to her self-taught skills and a pivotal connection to Marie Antoinette.

It was actually through the queen’s influence that led to Vigée Le Brun’s admission into the French Academy at the age of 28 (which of course was a male dominated institution).

While the wider art world focused on idealized subjects, Vigée Le Brun chose to paint aristocratic women in a more natural light.

4. Rosa Bonheur (1822–1899)

Rosa Bonheur was a celebrated French sculptor and painter who was specifically recognized for her artistic mastery of animals as well as the embodiment of feminist ideals.

An interesting fact about Bonheur is that she used to dress in men’s clothing to study animals at the stockyards.

She was born in Bordeaux, France, in 1822 and exhibited a love for animals from her early years. As you can see from her painting above (Barbaro après la chasse), this fondness made its way into many of Bonheur’s pieces.

Trained under her father in Paris, she made a name for herself at a time when female artists were often not appreciated and were limited in their ambitions. Demonstrating a realist style, Bonheur focused on animal paintings, causing a stir in the art world and making her one of the most acclaimed artists of the 19th century.

5. Berthe Morisot (1841–1895)

The next era we will explore is impressionism with Berthe Morisot.

Morisot is another French artist, born in 1841, and was among the founding members of the French Impressionist Movement and the only woman to exhibit in all but one of the eight Impressionist group exhibitions between 1874 and 1886.

Morisot’s artistry significantly impacted the evolution of French Impressionism. Her subjects, often women and children, were depicted in domestic settings, combining elements of symbolism and genre painting. Morisot’s unique style, emphasizing light, rapid brushstrokes, ambiguous forms, and a pastel-infused palette, evokes a certain ethereal and ephemeral quality that defines impressionist aesthetics.

Despite her fame and achievements being overshadowed by her male contemporaries (like Monet and Degas), Morisot’s contribution to impressionism and the art world continues to praise her work, solidifying her position among the world’s best female artists.

6. Mary Cassatt (1844–1926)

Mary Cassatt was another an integral part of the Impressionist movement.

Born in 1844, this exceptional American artist lived until 1926, leaving behind an artistic legacy that highlights everyday life.

Cassatt stands out as one of the select few female artists and the only American artist to have formal affiliations with the Impressionists.

She believed in art’s responsibility not just to be aesthetically pleasing, but also to present an accurate reflection of modern life. .

She, of course, faced sexism even among art circles. Despite this, she persevered, introducing European art to the prestigious art collectors in the United States, and eventually changing the perception of women artists.

7. Tamara de Lempicka (1898–1980)

Moving onto the Art Decor movement, born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1898, Tamara de Lempicka was an artist who left a massive impact before her passing in 1980.

As shown above in “Tamara in a Green Bugatti,” de Lempicka’s style marries the avant-garde Art Deco movement with late neoclassicism’s aesthetic values.

Leaving footprints in both France and the United States, de Lempicka painted the influential and the affluent of her era with an unmistakable elegance and opulence and a style that is immediately recognizable.

Her portraits are characterized by their precise, clean lines and cool sophistication, capturing the luxury and decadence of the Roaring Twenties. Displaying a decadent flair, her paintings are packed with glitz, glamour, and a touch of mystery.

8. Georgia O’Keeffe (1887–1986)

Georgia O’Keeffe probably one of the most popular female artists on this list was born in 1887 and lived until 1986.

She was a very influential American artist and regarded as one of the pioneers of modernism. O’Keeffe was a trailblazer in abstract art, know for experimenting with unique perspectives and color combinations that defied traditional guidelines of the period.

This propelled her onto the global stage as a visionary artist and trailblazer in the 20th-century art world.

To put it simply, Georgia O’Keeffe was a formidable talent. She left an indelible mark on the art world and continues to inspire artists globally as a vibrant symbol of dedication and artistic experimentation. Her abstract masterpieces blur the lines between the natural and imagined, redefining the perception of modern art.

9. Frida Kahlo (1907–1954)

Frida Kahlo is often considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

Born on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico City, this iconic figure not only left a profound imprint on the art world, but also promoted cultural, gender and political dialogues throughout her life.

Her unique blending of personal reflection and social commentary continues to make her one of the most celebrated female artists.

Kahlo’s most renowned painting, “The Two Fridas,” (shown above) is a prime example of her remarkable foray into the realms of Surrealism and Magic Realism. Despite enduring a tumultuous romance with muralist Diego Rivera and a devastating accident in her youth, Kahlo harnessed her personal challenges as creative fuel.

Beyond her artwork, Kahlo’s uncompromising personality has also made her a revered figure amongst feminists and the wider LGBTQ+ community. Even in the face of adversity, she chose not to conform to conventional norms, but to redefine them. Her choice to portray herself unapologetically, complete with facial hair and characteristically Mexican Tehuana dresses, is a testament to her defiance of gender stereotypes and dedication to cultural authenticity.

10. Louise Bourgeois (1911–2010)

Lastly, we have Louise Bourgois the only non painter on this top ten list who made an everlasting mark on the art world with her sculptures.

Born in Paris in 1911, Bourgeois grew up living within the hidden threads of her parents’ tapestry restoration business which undoubtedly spurred her talent for weaving intricate narratives into her artwork.

Bourgeois’ body of work consisted of distorted human-like figures suspended from wires, fabric works born from her old clothes, and colossal spider sculptures, her most notable legacy.

One such iconic piece is “Maman” (1999) (shown above), an enormous steel spider that symbolizes the fragility and strength of her own mother. The spider, both terrifying and nurturing, serves as a powerful image of maternal protection.

Bourgeois’ narrative is likely deeply personal, exploring themes like loneliness, jealousy, sexuality, and the unconscious, often derived from her own childhood experiences and views on the dynamics of familial bonds.

Other Popular and Lesser Known Female Painters and Artists

Clara Peters (1594~1621)

To start off our section of lesser known female artists we have Belgium-born Clara Peters who is primarily remembered as a still-life painter during the Dutch Golden Age.

Peters’ works typically feature items such as fruits, flowers, glassware, and precious metals, impeccably rendered to resonate with viewers visually and emotionally.

Little is known about her later life and works, but art history has not forgotten this gem. Although a lesser-known artist today, her contributions to still-life painting and the position she held during her time speak to her talent and determination, confirming her deserving place amongst the great female artists in history.

Judith Leyster (1609–1660)

Next we have Judith Leyster, hailing from Haarlem, Netherlands, Leyster is often remembered as another female beacon of accomplishment during the Dutch Golden Age.

Delving deeper, it’s fascinating to learn about Leyster’s journey as a female artist in the 17th century. Despite societal norms that sought to limit the involvement of women in artwork, she tenaciously honed her art, exhibiting her creations at the respected Haarlem’s painters guild.

She was one of the first women to achieve this position in the Haarlem’s painter’s guild which was historical milestone in art.

During her successful professional journey, Leyster took contemporary societal conventions head-on by heading a bustling workshop where she even mentored male protégés. While recognition of her work dwindled after her demise, with some even being accredited wrongly to her contemporaries, late 19th-century revelations stirred a resurgence in understanding and appreciating her exceptional skill.

Rachel Ruysch (1664–1750)

Rachel Ruysch, a Dutch artist born in 1664, stands as an internationally acclaimed figure in the realm of still life painting, specifically floral arrangements.

Stemming from a scientifically inclined family, Ruysch utilized her genetic penchant for precision and detail, manifesting in her carefully constructed masterpieces that breathed life into inanimate flora and fauna. Impressively, her career spanned nearly seven decades before her death in 1750.

Ruysch defied the societal constraints of her era by achieving notable success, a feat attributable to her undeniable talent coupled with the mentorship of famed still life artist Willem van Aelst.

Her paintings overflowed with intricate detailing, each petal and leaf received individual attention, an approach that resulted in visually extravagant and dynamic compositions. Additionally, Ruysch held the honor of serving in the court of Johann Wilhelm, Elector Palatine – a testament to her widespread recognition.

Rosalba Carriera (1675–1757)

Rosalba Carriera etched her name as a formidable figure in the history of European art during the Rococo era.

Rosalba Carriera was also a pioneer of pastel painting, a medium which was considered inferior to oil during her time. But her delicate touch, combined with her ability to create luminosity through subtle color variations, elevated pastel painting to a respected art form.

Born in Venice, Carriera began her artistic journey as a miniaturist, honing her skills by painting miniatures on snuff box lids. However, her artistic prowess truly shone when she transitioned to portraiture, where she melded her meticulous attention to detail with her innate ability to capture her subjects’ inner essence.

One of the distinctive attributes that marked Carriera’s work was the emotional depth she infused into her creations. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Carriera managed to bestow a humanizing touch upon her subjects. Rather than just focusing on external appearances, Carriera’s portraiture delved deeper, capturing her subjects’ underlying emotions and thoughts.

Angelica Kauffman (1741–1807)

Born into a family with artistic roots, Angelica Kauffman’s prominence in the field of art can be directly traced back to her early years.

Kauffman is known for her classical and allegorical scenes, influenced by the cultural richness of Italy where she developed her artistic craft. A pivotal element of her story is her ties to the United Kingdom. Upon her relocation to London in 1766, Kauffman downplayed the cultural shock to not only adapt but also break barriers as one of the only two female founding members of the Royal Academy of Arts.

In the field of art, Kauffman did not age; she only matured. Her body of work, predominantly consisting of allegorical themes, was symbolic of her transition into a group of late 18th-century Neoclassical painters. Apart from this, her portraits of aristocratic subjects gained recognition. It’s important to note that her work was not limited to a single artistic medium. While she enjoyed painting, pastels, and charcoal, it was her light, airy painting style that garnered criticism for being conspicuously feminine. Kauffman tirelessly defended her style and maintained her aesthetic throughout her career.

Camille Claudel (1864–1943)

Camille Claudel, born on December 8, 1864, in Fère-en-Tardenois, France, is renowned as a pioneering French artist excelled in the world of sculptures.

Against the stereotypical conventions compelling women to choose domestic life over a professional pursuit, Claudel turned her gaze toward sculpting. Driven by her artistic zeal, she took an apprenticeship with influential sculptor and future partner, Auguste Rodin.

Claudel’s potential was soon discovered through her innovative style – a fusion of Symbolism and Realism. Remember, like other female artists of this era, she did this at a time when women artists were seldom encouraged to explore such themes.

Suzanne Valadon (1865–1938)

Next we have Suzanne Valadon, an influential French painter, who told some pretty intricate stories in her art from September 23, 1865, when she was born in Bessines-sur-Gartempe, France, until her death on April 7, 1938, in Paris, France.

Initially embarking on her artistic journey as a model, Valadon served as an inspiration for acclaimed French artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. However, her relentless dedication and natural flair for painting gradually elevated her from modest origins to being a celebrated artist herself.

Despite not having received any formal education in fine arts, Valadon registered an honorary place as the first woman painter admitted to the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts.

Through her compelling depictions, she sought to empower women, urging audiences to view them beyond the confines of mere objects of desire. Her work remains a symbol of feminist struggle, resonating with the viewers and artists alike, even in contemporary times.

Leonora Carrington (1917–2011)

Leonora Carrington, a British-born artist who eventually adopted Mexico as her home, remains pivotal in the sphere of Surrealist art.

One cannot forget Carrington when discussing surrealism. The distinctiveness of her work lies in the way she wove fables, myths, and symbolic creatures into her paintings that lent an air of enigma and fantasy.

Unlike many Surrealist artists who looked towards dreams and the unconscious for inspiration, Carrington drew hers from mythology, spirituality, and the occult, giving her works a mystically alluring quality.

Her education at feminine institutions like St Mary’s convent in Ascot and Mrs Penrose’s Academy of Art, significantly molded her formative years. A critical juncture was her relationship with Max Ernst, another surrealist artist, in Paris. Displacement during the Second World War led her to Mexico, whose cultural landscape left an indelible impression on her work. Carrington became part of a European diaspora that would later be influential in the global Surrealist movement.

She began to explore concepts of national identity, history, gender, and spirituality — all highly relevant themes in contemporary art.

Yayoi Kusama (1929–Present)

Dive into the world of Yayoi Kusama, and you will find mesmerizing abundance of polka dots, pumpkins, and mirrors.

Born in 1929 in Matsumoto, Japan, Kusama is one of the best-loved contemporary female artists, known for pioneering the Pop art movement. She made her name prominent by transforming traditional artistic mediums in the form of painting, sculpture, and installations with enigmatical performances.

She grew up in a hostile family environment and started facing hallucinations from a young age. Art turned out to be a form of relief, and her hallucinations became her inspirations, particularly the recurring motif of polka dots.

Judy Chicago (1939–Present)

Rooted from the core of the American feminist movement, we find the trailblazing artist Judy Chicago.

Born in 1939, she’s a significant figure to the Feminist Art Movement of the 1970s.

Chicago’s artwork is symbolically abundant, defying conventional norms and representing female identity powerfully. Take a look at her other major work, “The Birth Project,” (shown above) which celebrates women’s strength and creativity through birth giving. It’s an assemblage of over hundreds of needlework designs illustrating the birthing process, created by numerous women across North America.

Chicago’s pioneering role in the field of feminist art continues to inspire numerous emerging artists, proving its relevance even today.

Cindy Sherman (1954–Present)

Cindy Sherman, hailing from New Jersey (my home state!) and born in 1954, has redefined photographic art in the contemporary times.

Rising to fame in the late 1970s, Sherman has consistently challenged conventional notions of identity, representation, and role-playing. Her emergence was during a time when the photography world was strongly male-dominated, making her achievement as a front-runner in the movement even more remarkable.

One advantage of Sherman’s work rests in her ability to play varied roles – being the model, art director, makeup artist and, of course, the photographer.

What also separates Sherman is her insightful exploration of the influence of mass media on the female identity, a recurrent theme in her work that resonates with viewers from any demographic. Along with her strong message, Sherman’s works introduce an element of imitation, parody, and even mystery, making her style of artistic expression a genre of its own.

Jenny Saville (1970–Present)

Next we have one of the most popular modern artists, Jenny Saville.

Born on May 7, 1970, in Cambridge, England, Saville’s inspiration to become an artist sparked from an early age. She studied at the Glasgow School of Art, and it was during this period that she started focusing on painting huge figurative works.

Highlighting themes such as body size, obesity, and aesthetic preference, Saville’s paintings depict monumental bodies that defy societal standards of beauty.

Saville’s work is a commentary on society’s relationship with the female body. She negotiates power dynamics and societal beauty standards via her raw depiction of the body’s fleshiness. Her ability to evoke discomfort yet fascination is part of Saville’s allure.

Fast-forward to the present, Saville remains active as one of the leading European painters, pushing the boundaries on how bodies can be depicted and perceived. Her tendency to project human bodies on a large canvas serves as an inspiration for artists and challenges the viewers’ perceptions about physicality and beauty standards.

Why Are There So Few Well Known Female Painters When Compared to Men?

The question of why there are relatively few well-known female painters compared to men, especially in pre-modern periods, is multifaceted and rooted in a combination of societal, cultural, educational, and economic factors. Here are some key reasons:

Societal and Cultural Norms: For much of recorded history, women were relegated to particular societal roles, mainly as caregivers, mothers, and homemakers. Cultural norms often did not permit or encourage women to pursue careers outside the home, let alone in fields such as the arts, which were dominated by men.
Lack of Formal Education: Many art academies and institutions, which were the primary avenues of art education, did not admit women until the late 19th or early 20th centuries. This denied women access to formal training, which was crucial for mastering technical skills and gaining recognition.
Patronage Systems: Historically, art was funded through patronage, typically by the church, royalty, or wealthy individuals. These patrons often chose male artists due to societal norms and biases, restricting opportunities for female artists.
Artistic Subjects: When women were involved in the arts, they were often restricted to certain subjects considered “appropriate” for their gender, like still life or portraits, while grander historical or religious themes (often viewed as more prestigious) were reserved for male artists.
Art’s Historical Record: The art world’s historical record, maintained through literature, reviews, gallery records, and sales, was controlled by men. As a result, the achievements of many female artists were overlooked, forgotten, or attributed to male artists.
Networking and Opportunities: The art world was, and to some extent still is, built on networks of mentorship, patronage, and camaraderie. Women historically had limited access to these male-dominated networks, making it harder to secure commissions, gallery space, or critical attention.
Gallery Representation and Exhibition Opportunities: Even when women did produce significant works, they were less likely to secure gallery representation or have their works exhibited in major institutions.
Contemporary Biases: Even when studying art history today, biases can persist. The canon often focuses on figures who were well-known during their time (often men), which can overlook or undervalue the contributions of female artists.

However, it’s worth noting that in the past few decades, there has been a concerted effort among scholars, curators, and institutions to recognize and promote the work of female artists. This is leading to a more balanced and inclusive understanding of art history and the contemporary art world. Many previously overlooked female artists are now gaining the recognition they deserve, and there’s a broader acknowledgment of the contributions of women to the world of art.

Who Are Some Modern Successful Female Fine Artists?

Yayoi Kusama: A Japanese artist known for her repetitive polka dots and infinity mirror rooms, she has become an international phenomenon with exhibitions drawing large crowds worldwide.
Cindy Sherman: An American photographer and film director, Sherman is best known for her conceptual portraits. Her “Untitled Film Stills” series is particularly celebrated.
Jenny Saville: A British painter, Saville is known for her large-scale paintings that focus on the human body, especially the female form.
Tracey Emin: A British artist, Emin works with various media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and installations. She gained fame with her piece “My Bed” and her neon artworks.
Marina Abramović: A Serbian performance artist, Abramović’s work explores the limits of the body and mind. Her retrospective at MoMA, “The Artist is Present,” drew significant attention.
Julie Mehretu: An Ethiopian-American artist, Mehretu is known for her abstract paintings layered with architectural renderings and historical narratives.
Agnes Martin: While Martin began her career in the mid-20th century, her minimalist and abstract paintings, often subtle grids, have continued to influence contemporary artists.
Shirin Neshat: An Iranian visual artist, Neshat’s work often addresses the social, political, and psychological dimensions of women’s experiences in contemporary Islamic societies.
Barbara Kruger: An American conceptual artist, Kruger is best known for her black-and-white photographs overlaid with declarative captions.
Rachel Whiteread: A British artist, Whiteread is known for her large-scale sculptures and casts, often of negative spaces or the spaces between or underneath objects and furniture.
Mickalene Thomas: An American artist, Thomas is celebrated for her complex paintings made of rhinestones, acrylic, and enamel, often exploring ideas around femininity and race.
Amy Sherald: An American painter, Sherald gained widespread attention for her portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Betye Saar: An American artist, Saar’s work, which includes assemblages, collages, and installations, addresses issues of race, gender, and spirituality.
Kara Walker: An American artist, Walker is best known for her room-size tableaux of black silhouettes that explore the history of American slavery and racism.
El Anatsui: A Ghanaian sculptor, Anatsui creates large-scale installations out of discarded bottle caps and metal wrappers. While he identifies as male, his work engages deeply with themes often associated with female artists, such as the value of “women’s work” and traditional craft.

What Artistic Field Is Best for a Female Artist?

The ideal artistic field for a female artist, or any artist for that matter, depends on individual passion, skills, interests, and goals rather than gender.

There’s no single “best” field for female artists; every domain of the arts offers opportunities for success and self-expression.

That said, some fields may offer more visibility or financial opportunities than others at specific times due to trends, but these can be ephemeral and vary based on region, audience, and other factors. Here are some considerations:

Visual Arts (Painting, Sculpture, etc.): Traditionally, the world of fine art was male-dominated, but women have broken barriers over the decades. Contemporary art now features many successful female artists, from painters like Jenny Saville to installation artists like Yayoi Kusama.
Photography: Women like Annie Leibovitz, Dorothea Lange, and Cindy Sherman have achieved significant acclaim in this field, demonstrating that photography can be a viable avenue for female artists.
Graphic Design & Illustration: With the rise of digital media and advertising, graphic design and illustration offer numerous opportunities. Artists like Jessica Walsh have achieved notable success in graphic design.
Performance Art: Marina Abramović is an example of a woman who has reached the pinnacle of success in the realm of performance art, a medium that allows for profound explorations of body, identity, and society.
Fashion Design: The fashion industry has numerous successful female designers, like Coco Chanel, Donna Karan, and Rei Kawakubo, who have left indelible marks on the world of fashion.
Film & Animation: While the film industry has been criticized for gender imbalances, particularly in directorial roles, women like Ava DuVernay, Kathryn Bigelow, and Greta Gerwig have been paving the way for more female directors.
Music: Be it performing, composing, or producing, music is another domain where many women, from Billie Holiday to Beyoncé, have excelled.
Digital & New Media: With the rise of digital technology, opportunities in fields like digital art, video game design, and VR/AR are expanding. Artists can carve out unique niches in these emerging fields.
Crafts & Applied Arts: Fields such as pottery, jewelry design, textile arts, and more can be lucrative and satisfying, with many female artists achieving recognition.
Writing: Literature, poetry, scriptwriting, and other writing forms have always had prominent female figures, from Virginia Woolf to J.K. Rowling.