Berthe Morisot -The Wet Nurse

Berthe Morisot, The Wet Nurse and Julie, 1880 (Private Collection)

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Mother Nursing Her Child, 1886 (Private Collection)

Art history is full of female mavericks that not only overcame their gendered roles by actually producing works that went down in history but also made bold statements quite contrary to the popular culture and beliefs of the society they were living in.  I was watching the latest rendition of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre for the big screen last night where I was reminded once again of how incredibly modern and wonderfully askew a story it was.  It is so refreshing to be witness to a strong female character who not only overcomes her "Tale of Woe" but also comes back at the end to rescue the love of her life, Mr. Rochester who is now debilitated.  She has become rich while he has become blind...Jane Eyre is the veritable knight  in shining armor or the prince on the white horse charging to rescue the damsel in distress...