Introduction
Chapman University's Fall 2020 Art History course, Gender, Art and Western Culture explores the contributions of women artists to the artistic traditions of Europe and the U.S. from prehistory to the present day. A variety of works made by artists identified as women from an assortment of historic, social, political and personal contexts are examined towards building an understanding the inequities, obstacles, and cultural dismissals faced by cultural producers identified as women and considering the role of art in reflecting gender constructs and politics. Because women have been traditionally underrepresented and generally discouraged from participating in the visual arts, students developed a critical eye and learned to effectively utilize writing as they actively question art historical traditions. This compendium serves as an official record of their knowledge. It is our hope that it will also prove an important resource for others who are interested in the stories and works once written out of history, and today emerging vital, once again.