When it comes to research into art history it is lamentable that the accomplishments of male artists are over-represented in scholarly publications and that those of women artists are by and large glossed over or just plain ignored. This failing of traditionally conservative male art historians to address this imbalance is slowly being reevaluated and corrected. A fascinating task, it is being carried out by a new generation of scholars and authors (mainly female) who are giving a revealing and inclusive perspective on the history of Western art. The story of the French Impressionist movement is no different, the names of male artists like Renoir, Degas, Sisely, Manet, Monet and Pissaro are well known around the world and their vividly painted canvases are represented in significant international art galleries. But when it comes to the women Impressionists who painted alongside their male peers, history is surprisingly silent and there is a lack of awareness of their unique place in early modern art. There is an unspoken consensus amongst some academics that these women artists were not quite as talented as their male colleagues, and that there certainly were no creative geniuses amongst their number. Based on a travelling exhibition, this well researched volume aims to improve the art loving publics knowledge and understanding of these pioneering women artists who struggled against restrictive social conventions and entrenched misogyny to achieve their painterly visions of the world around them.

In the 19th century and well into the 20th century women were solely expected to fulfill the complimentary roles of motherhood and obedient housewife. The limited work available to them was primarily of the menial or nurturing kind: as governess, nannies, teachers, maids, nurses or midwives. When the prospect of marriage loomed women were dutifully expected to give up their jobs, and so their fragile sense of independence. Thus when a woman wished to pursue a career (such as painting) they invariably had to forgo almost any prospect of starting a family and having a "respectable" life as a devoted wife and mother. Throughout Western art history up until the Impressionist era women were barred from attending most art schools for some absurdly prudish and moralistic reasons. When women were allowed the privilege of studying alongside men, there was a hidebound social etiquette in place to "protect" them from anything that may have affronted their delicate sensibilities. This stiflingly Victorian attitude discouraged many women from pursuing art in a professional manner; sadly relegating them to the margins of the art scene... as amateurs. Still, there was a small yet noteworthy number of women who chose to become professional (and successful) artists in this oppressive environment. Undaunted they resolutely studied and practiced their craft against almost all odds, and eventually won the begrudging respect of their male peers.

This timely book focuses on the handful of female artists who belonged in the French Impressionist art circle and includes beautiful examples of their oil paintings, pastels, watercolors, sketches and etchings, many in full and vibrant colour. The likes of Bertha Morisot, Eva Gonzales, Marie Bracquemond and the American Mary Cassatt are all included and due attention is given to each artist. The contribution of these four women to this revolutionary movement has been largely (but not entirely) omitted from the annals of art history, and is indicative of a wider cultural bias against the accomplishments of women in all walks of life. It is a shame that this wonderful book does not have more of an international scope, for I'm sure that in the 19th century there were many women Impressionists around the developed world whose names and creative oeuvres have been painted out of official histories of art. This engaging book with its lucid essays will open your eyes to the artistic legacy of these gifted yet undervalued women artists, and its publication will be most welcome by those interested in women's issues. If like me you admire and appreciate the Impressionists with their fresh and progressive approach to painting, Women Impressionists will be a fine addition to your library.