Often written from a male perspective, the dominant narratives of art history have largely ignored the writings of female artists. Yet these varied texts, ranging from diaries to newspaper articles, bear witness to the desires, efforts, struggles and successes of female creators. Drawing on their own words, the podcast “Words of Women Artists” gives voice to their version of history. The unique perspectives revealed allow us to better understand the visual arts, but above all, to renew our understanding of the dynamics of art history.

In this first season, co-produced by AWARE and the Musée d’Orsay, with the support of the FAMM museum, we will listen to the voices of activist artists from the second half of the 19th century. Through their writing, they defended their right to found women-only art societies, to access quality art education, and to compete for the Prix de Rome, among other demands.

This third episode highlights the voice of Rosa Bonheur, posthumously relayed by her heir and last partner Anna Klumpke, in accordance with the artist’s own wishes. Written from R. Bonheur’s dictation, this biography recounts her story and passes on her memory. R. Bonheur is now considered a model of a professional and ambitious female artist. She broke down all barriers to elevate animal painting to the rank of fine art.