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In their homes, churches and neighborhoods women in early modern Italy were surrounded with a rich and diverse visual and material culture. Yet, apart from studies of women as collectors and patrons of the visual arts, until recently relatively little scholarly attention has been paid to their experience as viewers. How did women encounter, interpret and engage with the objects around them, whether altarpieces, portraits, public sculpture, devotional objects or decorative household goods? How were those viewing experiences shaped by gender roles and expectations for female behavior? How were they influenced by viewing circumstances, including socio-economic status, age, geography or religious identity? How have our interpretations of early modern Italian art been limited by an assumption of a primarily male audience, particularly for works displayed in the public sphere?

This session welcomes contributions that consider how our understanding of the visual and material culture of early modern Italy can be expanded by foregrounding women’s viewing experiences. These may include analysis of specific works and their known audiences as well as more speculative explorations of the gendered viewing experience in the context of early modern Italy. Contributors are encouraged to consider both publicly and privately displayed works of art, architecture, prints and printed books, and objects of material culture, including textiles, ceramics and furniture. Papers that consider marginalized perspectives including those of older, working, low-income or foreign-born women are especially encouraged.