Influential Women Artists – Maria Spartali
Women artists have greatly influenced the art world even when it was not seemly or correct for those of the feminine nature to be painters. Throughout time they have been influenced by many different things, but one artist from the 19th century caught my eye because of the grace and ethereal quality she used in most of her paintings. This artist was Maria Spartali. She was the youngest daughter of a Greek merchant, who later became Consul general in London. She became famous for her Pre Raphaelite work, and became the only artist who worked in this style to work in the United States.
The Pre-Raphaelites were known to be inspired by female figures or dreamy fictional figures that represented Dante, Boccaccio, or works by Shakespeare. Spartali was also known for her Italian landscapes. When I look at her work I feel this ethereal magical quality permeate through her work and feel like I could walk through her dream like scenes.
