Brings to life the work of a leading painter of the Portuguese baroque, widely celebrated in her time
The first monograph on the artist to be published in English, this book provides a long-overdue introduction to the life and work of Portuguese painter Josefa de Ayala, known as Josefa de Óbidos (1630-1684). One of the best known and most celebrated artists of the Portuguese baroque, she is the only early modern female artist to be credited with representing the art of a whole period and a geographical area. Her paintings encompass a diversity of religious and secular subjects in a variety of formats, from portraits to still lifes; small oils on copper to large church altarpieces; seemingly... Read More
Format: Hardcover
Brings to life the work of a leading painter of the Portuguese baroque, widely celebrated in her time
The first monograph on the artist to be published in English, this book provides a long-overdue introduction to the life and work of Portuguese painter Josefa de Ayala, known as Josefa de Óbidos (1630-1684). One of the best known and most celebrated artists of the Portuguese baroque, she is the only early modern female artist to be credited with representing the art of a whole period and a geographical area. Her paintings encompass a diversity of religious and secular subjects in a variety of formats, from portraits to still lifes; small oils on copper to large church altarpieces; seemingly... Read More
The first monograph on the artist to be published in English, this book provides a long-overdue introduction to the life and work of Portuguese painter Josefa de Ayala, known as Josefa de Óbidos (1630-1684). One of the best known and most celebrated artists of the Portuguese baroque, she is the only early modern female artist to be credited with representing the art of a whole period and a geographical area. Her paintings encompass a diversity of religious and secular subjects in a variety of formats, from portraits to still lifes; small oils on copper to large church altarpieces; seemingly ‘feminine’ themes revolving around the Virgin Mary and female saints to gruesome portrayals of the Passion of Christ. Her oeuvre also includes engravings.
Josefa de Óbidos enjoyed a level of artistic and personal autonomy that was extraordinary for a woman of her day. She never married, and kept her own workshop after attaining the legal title of 'donzela emancipada' (emancipated maiden), which allowed for her independence. In addition to working as an artist, she was a successful businesswoman and landowner. Documentation at the time of her death indicates that she owned, in addition to her personal residence, a remarkable number of country houses, vineyards, and orchards, as well as yields from wheat and barley.
This timely study situates the artist within the context of the Iberian and broader European artistic milieux of her time, the careers and experiences of other early modern women artists, and the material culture of Portugal’s global territories, bringing Josefa de Óbidos’ artistic achievement and transnational character to light.
Details
Pages: 160
Publisher: Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd
Series: Illuminating Women Artists
Publication Date: 1st September 2025
Trim Size: 190 x 250 mm
Illustration Note: Includes 80 colour illustrations
ISBN: 9781848224872
Reviews
'Josefa de Obidos’ vast output has, until now, regrettably remained under-appreciated outside the world of Portuguese-language art history. This thoughtful, timely consideration not just of her oeuvre but also of the social and historical contexts in which she worked is an incredibly important addition to the historiography of women artists.’ – Rebecca J. Long, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Curator, Painting and Sculpture of Europe, The Art Institute of Chicago
'Carmen Ripollés' book on Josefa de Óbidos is a landmark work of historiography on the Portuguese painter and will certainly contribute to renewed attention on the most interesting painter of the Portuguese Baroque.’ – Joaquim Oliveira Caetano, Curator of the Painting Collection, National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon
Author Bio
Carmen Ripollés is an Associate Professor at Portland State University and specialises in the art of the Hispanic World during the early modern period.
Table of Contents
Preface; 1 Rediscovering Josefa de Óbidos; 2 Forging Identities; 3 Precious Inventions; 4 Mystical Visions; 5 Painted Possessions; 6 Global devotions; Conclusion; Bibliography
The first monograph on the artist to be published in English, this book provides a long-overdue introduction to the life and work of Portuguese painter Josefa de Ayala, known as Josefa de Óbidos (1630-1684). One of the best known and most celebrated artists of the Portuguese baroque, she is the only early modern female artist to be credited with representing the art of a whole period and a geographical area. Her paintings encompass a diversity of religious and secular subjects in a variety of formats, from portraits to still lifes; small oils on copper to large church altarpieces; seemingly ‘feminine’ themes revolving around the Virgin Mary and female saints to gruesome portrayals of the Passion of Christ. Her oeuvre also includes engravings.
Josefa de Óbidos enjoyed a level of artistic and personal autonomy that was extraordinary for a woman of her day. She never married, and kept her own workshop after attaining the legal title of 'donzela emancipada' (emancipated maiden), which allowed for her independence. In addition to working as an artist, she was a successful businesswoman and landowner. Documentation at the time of her death indicates that she owned, in addition to her personal residence, a remarkable number of country houses, vineyards, and orchards, as well as yields from wheat and barley.
This timely study situates the artist within the context of the Iberian and broader European artistic milieux of her time, the careers and experiences of other early modern women artists, and the material culture of Portugal’s global territories, bringing Josefa de Óbidos’ artistic achievement and transnational character to light.
Pages: 160
Publisher: Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd
Series: Illuminating Women Artists
Publication Date: 1st September 2025
Trim Size: 190 x 250 mm
Illustrations Note: Includes 80 colour illustrations
ISBN: 9781848224872
'Josefa de Obidos’ vast output has, until now, regrettably remained under-appreciated outside the world of Portuguese-language art history. This thoughtful, timely consideration not just of her oeuvre but also of the social and historical contexts in which she worked is an incredibly important addition to the historiography of women artists.’ – Rebecca J. Long, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Curator, Painting and Sculpture of Europe, The Art Institute of Chicago
'Carmen Ripollés' book on Josefa de Óbidos is a landmark work of historiography on the Portuguese painter and will certainly contribute to renewed attention on the most interesting painter of the Portuguese Baroque.’ – Joaquim Oliveira Caetano, Curator of the Painting Collection, National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon
Carmen Ripollés is an Associate Professor at Portland State University and specialises in the art of the Hispanic World during the early modern period.
Preface; 1 Rediscovering Josefa de Óbidos; 2 Forging Identities; 3 Precious Inventions; 4 Mystical Visions; 5 Painted Possessions; 6 Global devotions; Conclusion; Bibliography
