The construction of the figure of the artist in the 19th century: myths, public image and gender

Abstract

This paper analyses three main facets of the construction of the figure of the artist: the myth of genius, artistic behaviours and public image in relation to professional recognition. A gender perspective has been applied to all three aspects with the aim of constructing a general theoretical framework for analysis of this figure. The conclusions demonstrate that this figure, increasingly inserted in the public space, is shaped according to a mascu line identity, even when this idea of the artist does not meet the established standards of masculinity.