Anna Bilińska-Bohdanowicz
Today we start our special month with the National Museum in Krakow, which means that for the next four Sundays we will show amazing masterpieces, iconic for Polish art, from their collection. Our Facebook and Instagram feeds will also participate. Enjoy! :)
The status of women in Western Europe at the turn of the 20th century was clearly defined by the dominant patriarchal system. In Poland, the situation was somewhat different. The political situation and frequent absence of men participating in various uprisings forced women to become more independent and self-reliant. It was still an uphill climb for those who chose painting as their vocation, however, mainly because renowned art schools were off-limits for aspiring female artists. Those few who were financially independent managed to pursue a career in art. Anna Bilińska was able to do that thanks to the money bequeathed to her in her friend’s will. Bilińska was the first Polish female student of painting in Paris. The artist had no reservations about painting herself wearing a painter’s apron, with her hair disheveled, daringly putting it all on public display. For Bilińska, professional fulfillment, so hard to attain for women of the time, was far more important than her looks.
P.S. See the 10 most famous self-portraits by women artists! How many of them do you know? If you are interested in today's artist, read more about Anna Bilińska's Parisian career and tragic life!
P.P.S. Anna Bilińska is featured (of course!) in our amazing Women Artists 50 Postcards Set. :) You can buy it in our DailyArt Shop. :)