10 Famous Paintings of Women and the Mysteries Behind Them

The beauty of women is an endless inspiration and an eternal theme of painting. Throughout art history, women have been the focal point of countless masterpieces, embodying beauty, power, vulnerability, and intrigue. 

We all know that in addition to visual beauty, paintings of women also attract us with secrets and unanswered questions. Skilltrans brings to you ten of the most famous paintings of women, unraveling the mysteries behind these creations, revealing the identities of the sitters and the symbolic meanings that have puzzled generations.

Mona Lisa - Leonardo da Vinci (Italy)

It's easy to find a famous painting about a woman, but it's hard to find one that can surpass the shadow of the Mona Lisa. Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci - an Italian all-around genius: an outstanding painter, architect, musician, engineer, and scientist ahead of his time. 

Mona Lisa is, without a doubt, the most famous painting in the world, considered the standard of beauty.

The painting depicts a plump, seemingly kind woman clasping her hands together, the corners of her mouth slightly opening into an illusory smile. The subtle curvature of her lips and the play of light and shadow on her face create an illusion of a shifting expression, making it seem as if she is both smiling and not smiling at the same time. 

Posterity has tried to analyze the mystery in Mona Lisa's smile: is she smiling or not smiling, what does that smile mean, how could da Vinci create such a smile, etc. but has never given a satisfactory answer. 

Most art historians believe the painting depicts Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a wealthy Florentine merchant, Francesco del Giocondo. This theory gives the painting its alternate Italian title, La Gioconda. 

However, other theories have emerged, suggesting that the Mona Lisa could be a self-portrait of Leonardo in disguise, a symbolic ideal of femininity, or even a composite of different women.

Mona Lisa has become a symbol of a mysterious woman in the art world, a priceless painting that people can travel from afar to admire with their own eyes. The whole world analyzed it through countless articles, books, movies, and quotes. In response to the curiosity of posterity, Mona Lisa still smiles mysteriously forever, as if always wanting to say something but never saying it.

The Birth of Venus - Sandro Botticelli (Italy)

Sandro Botticelli was a genius Italian painter in the pre-Renaissance period. The Birth of Venus is his greatest work and is considered a symbol of "Truth - Goodness - Beauty."

In Greek mythology, Venus was born from sea foam, the daughter of the Lord of the sky - Uranus. The Birth of Venus became a major theme in painting, including famous paintings by Cabanel, Bouguereau, and Amaury Duval.

However, Botticelli's painting is still widely recognized as the most perfect and classic work. In the painting, Venus is depicted with radiant golden hair, white skin, a holy face, and full lips. Venus has a round, plump body full of vitality, symbolizing fertility, love, joy, and beauty. Her nudity, which was rare and bold for its time, is presented with an elegance that emphasizes her divine origin rather than eroticism.

The painting is based on the myth of Venus's birth from sea foam, a common theme in classical literature. According to the myth, after the god Uranus was overthrown, his severed genitals fell into the sea, and from the resulting foam, Venus was born. Botticelli’s depiction of this moment shows Venus being blown toward the shore by Zephyrus, the god of the west wind, and his companion, the nymph Chloris. On the shore, the Hora of spring, a goddess associated with the changing seasons, waits to cover her with a floral robe.

Girl with a Pearl Earring - Johannes Vermeer (Netherlands)

Johannes Vermeer was one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age. During his lifetime, he painted very slowly and left very few paintings, most of which were about women of the lower classes. Girl with a Pearl Earring is one of his masterpieces, known as the "Dutch Mona Lisa" or "Northern Mona Lisa"

The painting depicts a young woman looking sideways, her head covered by a headscarf, her only jewelry being a pearl earring. The girl in the painting has big round eyes, showing shyness and fear, but her plump lips are slightly open, arousing desire. The painting is both innocent and seductive. 

The most striking element in the painting is the large, luminous pearl earring. Some scholars question whether it is truly a pearl due to its exaggerated size and luster, suggesting it might be an imitation.

The identity of the girl in the painting is unknown. Some speculate that she may have been Vermeer’s daughter, a servant, or simply a model. There’s little to no documentary evidence to confirm who she was, and Vermeer left no written explanation. 

Unlike typical portraits of the time, this piece isn’t focused on status or wealth. It has led to painting interpretation as a tronie - a genre of painting in Dutch Golden Age art that depicts a character or an exaggerated expression rather than a specific person.

Like many of Vermeer’s works, Girl with a Pearl Earring was not widely known or celebrated during the artist’s lifetime. It was only in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that Vermeer’s genius was fully recognized, and Girl with a Pearl Earring became a centerpiece of his legacy. 

Today, it is housed in the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague, where it remains one of the most beloved and visited works of art.

Tracy Chevalier’s 1999 historical novel Girl with a Pearl Earring imagined a fictional backstory for the painting, and the subsequent film adaptation starring Scarlett Johansson further cemented the image’s place in popular culture. Despite these modern interpretations, the true story behind the girl remains elusive.

The Two Fridas - Frida Kahlo (Mexico)

The Two Fridas (Las dos Fridas) is a painting of a large, dual self-portrait that represents two versions of the artist seated side by side. 

On the left, Frida is dressed in a European-style white Victorian gown, a symbol of her European heritage from her father’s side. This version appears more fragile and vulnerable, with an exposed, broken heart. She holds surgical forceps in her hand, which clamp a bleeding artery connected to her heart. This action hints at deep emotional and physical pain.

On the right, Frida wears a traditional Tehuana dress, symbolizing her Mexican identity and the indigenous culture she embraced. Her heart is intact, and she holds a small portrait of Diego Rivera - her connection to him. The artery between them suggests that, despite their separation, she still feels deeply tied to Rivera.

One thing that needs to be mentioned is that the blood flowing from Frida’s heart and down her lap could also be her lifelong physical suffering due to health issues. Frida endured numerous surgeries and medical problems following a horrific bus accident when she was 18. Since then, blood often appears as a motif in her works. 

The painting was completed at a time of significant personal and political upheaval in Kahlo’s life. She separated from Diego Rivera, which left her emotionally devastated. This period of heartbreak is reflected in the somber tone of The Two Fridas, especially in the depiction of her broken, bleeding heart. 

Politically, The Two Fridas also aligns with themes of Mexican identity and pride in indigenous culture. Kahlo, along with Rivera, was part of the Mexicanidad movement. This movement sought to reclaim Mexico’s indigenous heritage and reject European colonial influences.

Whistler’s Mother - James McNeill Whistler (USA)

Whistler was a famous American painter and one of the leaders of the "art for art's sake" movement. Whistler's Mother is his most famous painting, considered an American icon and the "Mona Lisa of the Victorian era."

Legend has it that Whistler intended to paint someone else but failed and replaced the model with his own mother, Anna Whistler. There are also rumors that Mrs. Whist first ler was originally painted standing, but later her legs were so tired that she had to sit on a chair.

In the painting, she is wearing a simple black dress, sitting neatly, her hands on her skirt, her feet on a footstool, looking intently ahead. Whistler arranges the figure of his mother in profile, her body creating a vertical line that contrasts with the horizontal elements of the floor, chair, and curtain. 

The room is nearly bare, save for a framed print on the wall and the dark fabric that serves as a backdrop. The serious expression on her face and the gray-black tones of the painting evokes a feeling of suffocation and mourning as if something serious were happening. 

When Whistler’s Mother was first exhibited in 1872 at the Royal Academy in London, it received a mixed reception. Some critics admired its restraint and formal beauty, while others found it cold and unapproachable. 

Over time, however, the painting gained widespread admiration, particularly in the United States, where it came to symbolize the virtues of motherhood and family.

During the Great Depression, the painting took on particular significance in the United States. Because it was seen as embodying the endurance and quiet strength of American families during times of hardship. Whistler's Mother even appeared on a U.S. postage stamp in 1934.

Portrait of an Unknown Woman - Ivan Nikolaevich Kramskoi (Russia)

Kramskoi was a famous painter and art critic, the leader of the Russian democratic art movement. Portrait of an Unknown Woman is considered a masterpiece of Russian painting.

The painting depicts a woman sitting in an open-top carriage on a gloomy winter morning, with snow covering the roof. The woman in the painting is noble and proud with her head held high, her lips pursed sternly, and her eyes looking down confidently, almost defiant expression.

Her fashionable attire, including a fur-lined coat and a lavish hat, suggests wealth and high social standing. Yet, her bold expression, with its direct gaze and slight air of detachment, challenges traditional notions of femininity and decorum in Russian society at the time.

The painting was even considered scandalous by some who believed it portrayed an immoral or socially disreputable figure, even possibly a courtesan.

Many have interpreted the portrait as a critique of the superficiality and moral decay of the Russian upper class. The woman's proud posture and luxurious clothing might suggest arrogance or isolation. 

In the historical context, we can explain it more deeply, Portrait of an Unknown Woman represents a critique of materialism and detachment from the struggles of the common people. However, others see her as a symbol of individuality and strength, an empowered figure breaking free from societal expectations.

Until now, the original of the painting remains a mystery with many unproven conjectures. The painting is often compared to Anna Karenina in the masterpiece of the same name by the great writer Leo Tolstoy and has been used many times to illustrate the cover of books. The painting is considered to represent the Russian character and is a symbol of elegance and class.

Lady Godiva - John Collier (England)

According to the legend, Lady Godiva was so concerned about the heavy taxes imposed on the people of Coventry by her husband. So she pleaded with him to reduce them. Earl Leofric, in jest, agreed to lower the taxes if she would ride naked through the town at midday. 

Lady Godiva agreed to the challenge, with the condition that all the townspeople would stay indoors and not look at her as she passed. It is said that only one man, Peeping Tom, disobeyed the order and was struck blind for his indiscretion.

While there is no definitive historical record of her existence, the story of Lady Godiva has been widely circulated and adapted in various forms of art and literature.

One of the most famous artistic representations of Lady Godiva is a painting by John Collier, created in 1898. 

In this painting, Collier renders Lady Godiva as a graceful, ethereal figure riding a white horse. Her long, flowing hair covers her modestly, preserving her dignity. 

The muted color palette, coupled with a soft, ethereal quality, enhances the emotional depth of the scene. 

Lady Godiva’s story has resonated through the ages as a symbol of self-sacrifice, justice, and defiance against oppression, making her a popular subject in Victorian art and literature.

Madame X - John Singer Sargent (USA)

John Singer Sargent was a leading portrait painter of the 19th century. Madame X is his most famous and perhaps most infamous painting. The painting's daring style and provocative composition caused a scandal when it was first exhibited, forever altering both the career of Sargent and the public image of its subject.

Madame Gautreau was a well-known figure in Parisian high society. Born in New Orleans to a wealthy Creole family, she moved to France after the American Civil War and married a prominent French banker. 

Her pale skin, distinctive features, and bold fashion choices made her a muse for many artists of the time. Sargent sought to capture her elegance and allure, believing the portrait would enhance both their reputations.

The portrait shows Madame Gautreau standing in a black, satin gown with a plunging neckline and jeweled straps. Her pale skin contrasts starkly with the deep black of her dress, highlighting her striking figure. She stands in profile, her head turned slightly to the side with a detached, almost haughty expression. Her right-hand rests on a table, while her left arm hangs loosely by her side.

When Madame X was exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1884, it caused an immediate uproar. Viewers were shocked by the overall sense of sexual independence and defiance that the portrait seemed to convey. 

In 19th-century Parisian society, public images of women, particularly of women in the upper class were expected to adhere to strict conventions of modesty and decorum. Madame Gautreau’s portrayal as a sensual, confident woman broke those conventions, and many considered the painting to be indecent and offensive.

The backlash was swift and severe. Madame Gautreau’s reputation suffered greatly, and her family was mortified by the public reaction. Sargent, who had hoped the portrait would elevate his standing as a portraitist in France, faced intense criticism and humiliation.

Flaming June - Baron Frederic Leighton (England)

Baron Frederic Leighton was a famous British painter and sculptor. Flaming June is his most typical work and is considered a masterpiece of world painting.

The term "Flaming June" likely alludes to the intense heat of summer, suggested by the warm colors and the languid, relaxed pose of the figure.

The model in the painting is actress Dorothy Dene, who is considered to have the most similar face and body to Leighton's ideal model. Dorothy Dene was also known as the most beautiful woman in England in the 1890s. The painting depicts her sleeping in an unnatural position as if it were just a tired nap.

The work is immersed in perfect amber and the river scene in the background is almost white under the June sunlight. The thin, transparent dress shows the delicate curves of the woman. The oleander in the right corner symbolizes the fragility between sleep and death. The young woman in the painting with her beauty, both sensual and innocent, reminds the viewer of the nymphs in ancient Greek mythology.

"Flaming June" is housed in the Museo de Arte de Ponce in Puerto Rico. Its journey there is interesting, as the painting was almost lost to obscurity before being purchased by the museum’s founder, Luis A. Ferré, in 1963.

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I - Gustav Klimt (Austria)

Gustav Klimt is a genius Austrian painter, famous for his themes of women and love. To date, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I is one of the five most expensive paintings in history. In 2006, the painting was sold for a record $135 million, becoming the most expensive painting at that time.

Adele Bloch-Bauer was the wife of a wealthy capitalist, who often boldly supported and helped Gustav Klimt financially. She was Klimt's secret lover and was also the only woman whose portrait the artist painted twice. Her second portrait, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II, was once priced at $88 million and is also one of the most expensive paintings in the world.

The Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I is filled with a regal yellow color. The woman in the painting looks comfortable and majestic, like a queen. The painting is also known as the "Mona Lisa of Austria" or "The Golden Lady".

The painting is an extravagant use of gold and silver leaf, which Klimt meticulously applied to create a shimmering, radiant effect. 

Adele's gown features shapes such as circles, squares, and eyes, which evoke ancient Egyptian, Byzantine, and classical motifs. Klimt was influenced by these historical styles, blending them into the modern one.

During World War II, the Nazis confiscated the painting, along with other works, from the Bloch-Bauer family after they fled Austria. The painting was seized by the Nazis and displayed in the Austrian State Gallery, where it remained for decades, despite being stolen property.

In 2006, after a long legal battle led by Adele's niece, Maria Altmann, the painting was returned to the Bloch-Bauer family. This landmark case set a precedent for the restitution of Nazi-looted art.

Conclusion

We have admired ten of the most famous paintings of women in the world. These artworks transcend time, offering endless interpretations and captivating audiences across centuries. 

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