Liberalized or Objectified?

Abstract

This research offers an interpretive analysis of Frances Macdonald's artistic portrayal of women during the Art Nouveau movement, with a focus on the evolving societal roles and positions of women. Through a visual analysis of Macdonald's artwork and a review of relevant literature, this thesis argues that her works can be interpreted as an attempt to accurately represent the limitations and struggles faced by women, including herself, during the Art Nouveau era.

Macdonald's portrayal of women in her artwork was often ambiguous, challenging the prevalent archetypes of the Femme Nouvelle and Femme Fatale, which were commonly depicted by male artists during that time. Her artwork depicted women in roles such as lovers, mothers, or sexual beings, often portrayed as unattractive or sexually unavailable. This deviation from the conventional portrayal of women in Art Nouveau art was a deliberate attempt by Macdonald to present a more authentic representation of women's experiences during that era.

This thesis sheds light on the often overlooked position of female artists, like Macdonald, within the artistic world of Art Nouveau. By comparing Macdonald's iconography with the prevalent iconography of Art Nouveau, this research challenges the dominant narrative of Art Nouveau as a reflection of women's emancipation and liberation. The provocative nature of Macdonald’s art, influenced by her affinity with women's rights, highlights her effort to voice a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of women's roles and positions in society.