You earned __________ out of 10 points

Read Linda Nochlin's essay, "Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?" and answer the following questions.

Why does Nochlin feel that accepting “what is,” as “natural” is a problem?

How does Nochlin characterize the traditional approach to art history?  What does she feel is needed to reveal the inadequacies of this approach?

Artists and critics who take an “essentialist” approach propose the existence of a distinctive and recognizable feminine style.  What potential problems exist with an essentialist approach?  Do you believe that there is some innate feature of femininity that prevents women from being great artists?

According to Nochlin, where does the fault lie in women’s oppression in the arts?

Explain the myths of the “Great Artist” and the “Genius”.   What problems do these mythic ideas present for women and artists of color?

Why weren’t women artists allowed to study the nude?  Why did this ban make it institutionally impossible for women artists to succeed on the same footing as men?

Why does Nochlin believe it has historically been easier for women to succeed as writers than as visual artists?

In your opinion, why have there been no great women artists?