Linda Nochlin (1931–2017) was a prominent American art critic, art historian, and feminist, known for her pioneering work in the field of gender studies in art. She became an influential figure in the academic world for her in-depth research on art, especially on topics related to the role of women in art and their absence from traditional canons.
Her most famous essay, "Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?" (1971), was a turning point in feminist art theory, criticizing the social, economic, and cultural barriers that prevented women from achieving recognition in the arts. Nochlin argued against stereotypes and encouraged a gendered view of art history.
Linda Nochlin has taught at many prestigious universities, including Yale University and New York University. She has authored and edited many influential books and articles, including Women, Art, and Power and Realism, which have become classics in art history.
Her research has encompassed not only feminist themes, but also the analysis of art movements such as realism and impressionism, with an emphasis on social context and cultural influences. Linda Nochlin has left a huge legacy, continuing to inspire new generations of art historians and feminists.
