Bringing Women's Stories to the Fore: How Talking Portraits Reframes Art History
For centuries, art history has been told through a narrow lens—one that often overlooks the contributions of women. Museums are filled with paintings where women are subjects, but rarely do we see them celebrated as the creators. This is the narrative gap I'm aiming to bridge with Talking Portraits, a GenAI-powered series where historical figures step out of their frames to share their untold stories.
The first episode featured the model seated in the ultra-famous Da Vinci portrait, Mona Lisa, giving her a voice beyond the enigmatic smile. In the second episode, we took this a step further, imagining a conversation between the Mona Lisa herself and a self-portrait by Delacroix, exploring how identity and perception shift through different artistic lenses.
In the third episode, I introduce Catharina van Hemessen, a Renaissance trailblazer who, in 1548, became the first artist to paint herself at work. At just 20 years old, she defied conventions, depicting herself with brush in hand and palette poised—not as a passive muse, but as an active creator. This wasn't just a self-portrait; it was a declaration: “I was here. I created.”
I Catharina van Hemessen have painted myself / 1548 / Here aged 20.
While names like Dürer and da Vinci dominate textbooks, Catharina's name is barely mentioned. The reason is rooted in a history of systemic exclusion. Until recently, it was nearly impossible for women to become recognised artists. Those who did manage to break through had to fight against relentless sexism and a lack of recognition. Even today, close to 100% of undressed models in museum paintings are women, often depicted through the male gaze, while images of women as creators remain rare.
Consider this: Marina Abramović was the first woman to have a solo exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts' 254 year history. That milestone happened only recently, underscoring how long institutions have ignored women’s artistic contributions.
Why Talking Portraits Matters
With GenAI, we have a unique opportunity to reimagine how we engage with art history. By giving historical figures a voice, Talking Portraits brings attention to the stories that traditional narratives have left behind. It's not just about technology; it's about using that technology to shed light on voices that deserve to be heard.
Catharina van Hemessen's self-portrait is more than just an artwork—it's a symbol of resilience, ambition, and the enduring struggle for recognition. Through Talking Portraits, I hope to inspire viewers to question the art they see in museums, to look beyond the canvas, and to consider whose stories are being told… and whose are missing.
Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to bring the past to life, one portrait at a time. Subscribe to the series on YouTube.