Changing Fate… Throughout history, women have transformed in many various areas in culture. In the 1800’s, 1900’s, and even today, men have been viewed as superior to women. However, the historical role of women has progressed drastically. Using examples of artwork, you will be able to see how gender roles of women have changed, and how women have altered culture throughout America.

New Zealand 1893 Before Woman gained the right to vote in America, New Zealand women received their right to vote in This cartoon printed in the newspaper on Saturday July 21 st 1894 was just the beginning of change for women all around the world. In this illustration, the man is aiding the women. He is helping her up onto the mountain of parliamentary heights as she carries a sign for perfect political equality. This artist is trying to show that women are now on equal ground to men.

But in America… In the 1800’s and 1900’s, women's roles in society consisted of house work, taking care of the children, and keeping her husband happy. Women did not have any rights, including the right to vote. This painting is by Pierre Auguste Renior from 1906 titled “The Promenade”. Here, the mother is taking her small child for a walk. It was a primary role for women to take care of the children and raise them correctly

This painting also by Pierre Auguste Renoir in 1906 is of two sisters. Daughters were raised to grow up into strong women. They were taught how to sew, take care of the household, and act as a “proper” lady in order to marry a man of good prestige. Woman were considered the weaker sex both physically, and mentally. This painting shows the two girls in dresses and hats. Women were taught to keep a certain image at all times, in which this image shows.

High Expectations of Women Women were considered property and objects before they were considered citizens. There was no escape for women. They would work all day at home, and then when their husband arrived from work, they were expected to have the children ready, dinner on the table, and everything in order. The house was considered the resting place for the male, yet a women did not receive that opportunity. This 1921 painting by Edward Hopper shows the woman working diligently at finishing her sewing.

The Fight for Voting Rights In the mid and late 1800’s women tried to fight for their right to vote. However, it was not until 1920’s were women allowed that right. This Photo is believed to be taken in 1911, however the artist is unknown. (collected by Jone Johnson). Here the artist shows all men viewing the headquarters

The Working Woman… Even though a small amount of women had started working in factories and textile mills before WWII, a large amount of women began to work during this time. “Rosie The Riveter” was a phrase used to describe working women in factories who took over male positions after they had to leave for war. This poster by J. Howard Miller in 1943 was one of the many posters to try and help motivate women during this time. Here, the artist tries to portrait the woman as a strong and tough individual.

Decade of Change The 1960’s had become a great cultural change for women. More women were working, there were more feminists, which helped to create equal pay for equal work as well as the start of more equality in the household. Sexuality had also become a large part in women’s lives. Marilyn Monroe became a very iconic figure for women of the sixties. This painting by Andy Warhol, is pop art done of Marilyn. Women of this time period began wearing makeup, sticking up for their human rights, as well as doing things that were unacceptable in the past. Warhole uses this photo to show beauty and present the woman as a beautiful human being.