Portal de Turismo de Castilla y León

Dates

June 2, 2026

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June 2nd, 7:00 PM.

In Spain, the 19th century was marked by the Revolution of 1868 , a dynastic change, the proclamation of the First Republic, the monarchical Restoration and the loss of the colonies, but it is also the moment of the beginning of "contemporary art" that spans from that century to the present.

For women artists, the 19th century remained a difficult period, as access to art academies was still prohibited or highly restricted. It was, therefore, an era of private painting and drawing lessons for young women from the bourgeoisie or aristocracy, allowing them to acquire artistic culture but not the preparation to pursue a profession. An example of this can be seen in England during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901 ), where one of the most widespread ideas was that reading or studying with books diminished femininity, and that viewing nude male models—in life drawing classes—disturbed women, who were the foundation of Victorian precepts. Despite all these obstacles, the 19th century saw a significant increase in the number of women who dedicated themselves professionally to painting.

The conference entitled "Eight Spanish Women Painters of the 19th Century" will allow us to learn about some of these professionals such as: Victoria Martín, Eva Gonzáles, María Luisa de la Riva, Fernanda Francés, Luisa Vidal, Pilar Montaner, Aurelia Navarro and María Clotilde Sorolla , all of them excellent painters.

We will understand how each of these women trained to enter the art world and see how some traveled to Paris or other European art centers to complete their studies. We will also understand why most participated in local, national, and international exhibitions, where they won medals. It is important to remember that the National Fine Arts Exhibitions were crucial for women painters, as they not only allowed them to gain public recognition but also to sell their work—essential elements for pursuing a career in this profession.

Currently, the Prado Museum, in the rooms dedicated to the 19th century, exhibits works by several of the painters to whom we dedicate this talk.

Mª Alicia Santiago Tamame has a degree in Art History, is a Professor of Social Sciences in Secondary Education and a Professor of the Master's Degree in Secondary School Teacher Training at the Autonomous University of Barcelona.

Assembly hall
Free admission until full capacity