This course explores the nature of gendered representation in the history of art from the Renaissance to the present. While the primary focus will be on the representation of women and the work of women artists, the construction of masculinity in the arts will also be addressed. Art will be examined in relation to its political, social, economic, and religious context to establish the broader implications of these visual documents. The student will gain a broadly inclusive understanding of the Western artist tradition as well as sensitivity to gender issues and the gendered nature of representation.