By Chelsea Reed
Women’s rights is fairly modern in Earth’s history. On August 18, 1920, over 100 years ago, women were allowed to vote in the United States for the first time. Other countries followed suit. Despite this recent phenomenon, women have made a historical impact for thousands of years… from Nefertiti to Queen Elizabeth to Margaret Thatcher. Today we celebrate women’s history with these beautiful and inspiring works of art.
This imaginative oil painting harkens back to Colington’s beginnings, including the hard-working women who lived there with their families. In 1664, Sir John Colington was given a land grant by England to establish a plantation on Colington Island. It became the first permanent English settlement in the Outer Banks, more than 75 years after the Lost Colony vanished.
Meanwhile, the Cherokee Nation thrived in 17th-century Western North Carolina. Cherokee men traveled far to war and hunt, while women were in charge of their large villages. Cherokee women enjoyed raising children, farming, fishing and gathering, much like these three in this acrylic painting. They could vote and speak in their councils, too. Some of them even fought with men. These brave ladies were called “War Women.”
Not all women in history had good motives, however. Some tried to use their influence to cause harm to others. Take for example the Jewish “prophetess” Noadiah. According to the Book of Nehemiah, she tried to intimidate Nehemiah and prevent him from rebuilding the Temple in Israel. This historically inspired etching captures Noadiah’s dark countenance. The jealousy, anger, and disapproval in her eyes serves as a crystal clear warning for men and women alike.
The story of Pocahontas has captured people’s hearts for four centuries. While the Disney version might be exaggerated, Pocahontas was a real Native American princess who was important to the Jamestown colony. This is an acrylic painting of an actual statue erected in her honor by the sculptor William Ordway Partridge in Jamestown, VA.
Many women lived simple peasant lives like the humble farm lady in this oil painting. She might not have been able to change her country, but her strong hands certainly kept the farm going. With her around, there was always the freshest milk available for her family!
This oil painting of a Victorian lady is a graceful end to our tribute for women. From the Industrial Revolution to women’s suffrage, the 19th century had enough changes to make your head spin. Even so, the enduring beauty of this woman tending to her roses withstands the test of time.
What’s your favorite part of women’s history? You can find more pieces like these at Seaside Art Gallery in store and online. Take the time to celebrate the women in your life today.
Chelsea Reed is a copywriter who writes winning content, articles, blogs, and websites from her base in North Carolina. She might not be building sandcastles or swashbuckling with pirates these days, but the Outer Banks beaches continue to keep her young at heart.
