Art has always been a powerful form of expression, yet for centuries, women were often denied a place in its history. Despite the challenges of a male-dominated world, female impressionist painters carved out their own space, using art to challenge societal norms and capture the overlooked beauty of everyday life.
These artists defied conventions, pushing beyond the boundaries of decorative arts to create works that were bold, emotional, and revolutionary.
Now, let’s explore the stories and art of these 15 incredible female impressionists.
1. Berthe Morisot
Berthe Morisot was a pioneering female artist and a central figure in the impressionist movement. Born in 1841, she was one of the first women artists to exhibit in the first impressionist exhibition. Morisot’s approach captured the essence of modern life, focusing on domestic scenes and daily life.
Her work radiated a soft, intimate quality, showcasing delicate brushstrokes and an ability to capture light, a hallmark of the impressionist style.
Unlike many of her contemporaries, Morisot embraced outdoor painting or en plein air, exploring themes like women’s roles in society and family life. Through her contributions, she paved the way for future women impressionists.
Famous Berthe Morisot Artworks
- The Cradle
- Summer’s Day
- The Balcony
See all Berthe Morisot artworks.
2. Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt, an American artist born in 1844, became one of the most celebrated female impressionists. Trained at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Cassatt moved to Paris to further her artistic career, where she became a close friend and collaborator of Edgar Degas.
Her emphasis on domestic interiors and maternal bonds distinguished her from other female artists. She portrayed women as strong, independent figures rather than passive subjects. Her work reflected her dedication to the arts and elevated the portrayal of women in genre scenes.
Cassatt’s bold use of color and masterful compositions cemented her place in the impressionist exhibitions, contributing to the evolution of the impressionist system.
Famous Mary Cassatt Artworks
- The Child’s Bath
- Young Mother Sewing
- The Boating Party
See all Mary Cassatt Artworks.
3. Eva Gonzalès
Eva Gonzalès was a French artist born in 1849, known for her deep connection to Manet’s work. She became the only formal student of Édouard Manet, significantly influencing her artistic career. Gonzalès differed from other women impressionists because she didn’t always adopt the typical impressionist style.
Instead, she blended her graphic arts training with the loose brushwork associated with impressions caught in fleeting moments. Her subject matter often included still lifes and interior scenes, focusing on women’s everyday activities, a common theme among women artists.
Though her career was cut short by her untimely death, Gonzalès made an indelible mark in the art world, especially through her innovative depictions of modern Parisian life.
Famous Eva Gonzalès Artworks
- A Loge at the Théâtre des Italiens
- The Milliner
- Indolence
See all Eva Gonzalès artworks.
4. Marie Bracquemond
Marie Bracquemond, born in 1840, remains one of the most overlooked yet significant female impressionists. Often grouped with Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot as one of the “Grande Dames” of Impressionism, Bracquemond participated in several impressionist exhibitions.
Her work often explored themes of the modern woman of her time, and her use of color and light was deeply influenced by Claude Monet and Pierre Auguste Renoir.
Unfortunately, her artistic career was limited by her husband’s disapproval, and Bracquemond eventually left the impressionist movement. Still, her contributions reflect a deep engagement with her focus on genre scenes and domestic interiors.
Famous Marie Bracquemond Artworks
- Le Repas
- On the Terrace at Sèvres
- The Three Daughters
See all Marie Bracquemond Artworks.
5. Lilla Cabot Perry
Lilla Cabot Perry, born in 1848, became a leading force in bringing Impressionism and to the United States. A largely self-taught artist, Perry was inspired by the works of Claude Monet, whom she befriended in France.
Her paintings captured the vibrant beauty of plein air scenes, often infused with light and color, a key characteristic of impression-caught moments. Perry’s focus on outdoor painting and the self-portrait made her stand out among female artists of her time.
She showcased her works in French and American galleries, helping to bridge the gap between European and American fine arts. Her style became synonymous with capturing the intimate moments of daily life.
Famous Lilla Cabot Perry Artworks
- Child in a Window
- Open Air Study
- The Beginner
6. Cecilia Beaux
Cecilia Beaux, born in 1855, was an American artist who made significant contributions to the arts, particularly through her expertise in portraiture. Known for her accurately rendered portraits, Beaux portrayed her subjects with a blend of realism and emotion.
She often depicted people from her social circle, including family members, offering a glimpse into modern life. Her works captured her subjects’ physical likeness and inner character, making her one of the most celebrated women artists of her time.
Unlike many of her peers, Beaux’s work was praised at the Paris salon, and she held a prominent place in the art world, becoming a professor at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.
Famous Cecilia Beaux Artworks
- Sita and Sarita
- Mother and Daughter
- The Last Days of Infancy
7. Louise Catherine Breslau
Louise Catherine Breslau, born in 1856, was a French painter known for her keen ability to capture the subtleties of character in her portraits. Breslau moved to Paris as a young woman to rigorously pursue her artistic career, becoming one of the most successful female artists of her time.
Her self-portraits and depictions of modern life often revealed her subjects’ quiet strength and depth. Breslau avoided the use of nude models, preferring to depict her friends, family, and acquaintances in their everyday environments.
Although initially overlooked due to the challenges faced by women impressionists, she participated in eight impressionist exhibitions and was highly regarded in art circles.
Famous Louise Catherine Breslau Artworks
- Autoportrait
- Portrait of Madeleine Zillhardt
- La Toilette
8. Anna Ancher
Anna Ancher, born in 1859, was a prominent Danish artist known for her intimate depictions of rural life. A master of interior scenes, Ancher focused on the everyday life of her native Skagen, Denmark. She frequently portrayed women of 19th-century rural living in domestic interiors, using soft colors and light.
Her unique ability to capture light, especially in her famous piece Sunlight in the Blue Room, showcased her skill in rendering atmospheric effects.
Ancher broke away from the more traditional history painting of her time and pursued a style focused on simple daily life, making her work deeply relatable. She made her mark without her studio, illustrating the depth of emotion within modest surroundings.
Famous Anna Ancher Artworks
- Sunlight in the Blue Room
- The Girl in the Kitchen
- A Shepherdess
9. Laura Muntz Lyall
Laura Muntz Lyall, a self-taught Canadian artist, gained recognition for her expressive portraits of women and children. Born in 1860, Muntz Lyall studied briefly 
in Paris but remained deeply connected to her Canadian roots.
She excelled in portraying women as impressionists, often reflecting motherhood and childhood innocence themes. Her soft brushwork and light-filled compositions made her a favorite at numerous exhibitions and solo shows.
Lyall’s ability to capture the warmth of familial bonds gave her works an emotional depth that resonated with viewers. Though not formally trained in the traditional sense, she diligently cultivated her craft.
Famous Laura Muntz Lyall Artworks
- Springtime
- A Daffodil
- The Sisters
10. Nadežda Petrović
Nadežda Petrović, born in 1873, was a Serbian painter known for her bold and expressive style. Petrović’s work stood out for its vivid color palette and energetic brushstrokes, often exploring themes of war, struggle, and national identity.
Unlike her contemporaries, she focused on capturing the raw emotions of people during turbulent times, making her work emotionally charged and impactful. Her unique approach to portraiture and landscape painting showcased a level of intensity and boldness.
Petrović’s ability to combine passion with a deep sense of social responsibility made her one of the most significant artists in Serbian arts history.
Famous Nadežda Petrović Artworks
- Resavka
- The Kosovo Maiden
- Rudnik Village
11. Harriet Backer
Harriet Backer was one of Norway’s most influential artists. She was known for her deep exploration of light and space in domestic interior scenes. Born in 1845, Backer studied in Munich and Paris, gaining exposure to the impressionist movement, although her style remained uniquely her own.
Her works often featured soft, natural light filtering into quiet rooms, creating a serene atmosphere that set her apart from her peers. She focused on the intimacy of everyday moments, whether through women reading by a window or children in a dimly lit room.
Backer’s dedication to the subtle details of 19th-century life earned her a respected place in Norwegian art history. She also became a mentor to many younger artists, further expanding her legacy.
Famous Harriet Backer Artworks
- Blue Interior
- By Lamplight
- A Reading Woman
12. Edma Morisot
Edma Morisot, born in 1839, was Berthe Morisot’s elder sister. While her sister gained more fame in the impressionist exhibitions, Edma also showed remarkable talent. She focused on family and domestic scenes, often using her sisters Jeanne and Berthe as models.
Edma shared a close bond with Eva Gonzalès and Mary Cassatt and became an important member of the Anonymous Society of Artists. After marrying a naval officer, She largely stopped painting, choosing to dedicate herself to her family.
However, her early works displayed her skill in portraying interior scenes and relationships, mirroring the tenderness and intimacy found in Morisot’s work.
Famous Edma Morisot Artworks
- The Artist’s Sister at a Window
- Sister Jeanne Sitting by the Fireplace
- Portrait of Berthe Morisot
13. Helen McNicoll
Helen McNicoll, a Canadian artist born in 1879, became renowned for her beautiful outdoor painting and mastery of en plein air techniques. She studied at the National Gallery in London, where she honed her skills and built connections with fellow women artists.
McNicoll’s paintings focus on the effects of light, often portraying women and children in sunlit landscapes. Her light-filled canvases were reminiscent of Mary Cassatt’s works, yet her touch brought a distinct freshness to her impressionist style.
McNicoll was one of the few female Canadian painters to gain international recognition, holding a solo exhibition in London.
Famous Helen McNicoll Artworks
- The Apple Gatherer
- In the Shadow of the Tree
- The Bathing Pool
14. Jane Peterson
Jane Peterson stood out for her daring use of color and ability to breathe life into her compositions. Born in 1876, Peterson broke away from traditional painting methods, experimenting with vibrant hues and bold brushstrokes.
Her works often reflected her travels, capturing the lively scenes of markets, gardens, and modern life with energy and emotion. Studying under notable figures like Cecilia Beaux, she developed a distinct style that blended impressionist techniques with elements of modernism.
Peterson’s ability to combine boldness with a sincere eye for detail made her a favorite among art lovers of her time.
Famous Jane Peterson Artworks
- Gladiolas
- The Windmill
- Canal in Venice
15. Julie Manet
Julie Manet grew up surrounded by some of the greatest artists of the 19th century. As the daughter of Berthe Morisot and niece of Édouard Manet, she was immersed in the world of fine arts from a young age.
Julie’s artistic contributions may not have been as extensive as her mother’s, but she became an important figure in preserving the legacy of the impressionist movement.
Known primarily as a muse and collector, Julie supported her mother’s work and kept the family’s artistic tradition alive by carefully curating their collections.
Famous Julie ManetArtworks
- Self Portrait
- Portrait of Berthe Morisot
- Still Life with Flowers
Frequently Asked Questions About Female Impressionist Artists
Who are the Three Great Ladies (“Grande Dames”) of Impressionism?
The “Grande Dames” of Impressionism are Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt, and Marie Bracquemond. These three women contributed significantly to the impressionist movement in a male-dominated art world.
Who was the only woman artist to participate in all of the Impressionist exhibitions in Paris?
Berthe Morisot was the only woman to exhibit in all eight impressionist exhibitions in Paris. Her consistent presence helped shape the movement and paved the way for future female artists.
What Art Mediums are Preferred by Female Impressionist Artists?
Female impressionist artists often used oil paints, pastels, and watercolors. These mediums allowed them to experiment with color, light, and texture, crucial elements of the impressionist style.
What Art Techniques are Preferred by Female Impressionist Artists?
Women impressionists preferred en plein air painting, fragmented brushstrokes, and soft color palettes. They focused on capturing fleeting moments of modern life and the delicate play of light and shadow.
