A captivating exhibition entitled “Musée Imaginaire” has recently opened its doors in Sag Harbor, Long Island, presenting a unique collection of 15 portraits by the relatively unknown, self-taught artist Elisabetta Zangrandi. These portraits playfully reimagine iconic self-portraits created by women artists throughout history, spanning nearly 1,000 years. Curated by the renowned Alison M. Gingeras, “Musée Imaginaire” transforms the Keyes Art gallery into an alternative feminist museum, paying homage to trailblazing women in art history.
Zangrandi’s artistic journey began at a young age, as she honed her skills painting on rocks. Today, her works challenge traditional art historical narratives by reinterpreting famous self-portraits through her own unique lens. Beginning with the early 12th-century self-portrait by the nun Guda, considered the earliest signed self-portrait by a woman in Western Europe, Zangrandi’s series continues through the centuries, featuring influential figures such as Sofonisba Anguissola, Artemisia Gentileschi, Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Paula Modersohn-Becker, Frida Kahlo, and Alice Neel.
By placing herself alongside these renowned artists, Zangrandi not only pays tribute to their legacy but also highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women to the art of portraiture. Her playful reinterpretations challenge traditional notions of authorship and agency, inviting viewers to reconsider the role of women in shaping art history.
The exhibition’s curator, Alison M. Gingeras, is known for her groundbreaking research on women artists. Her book, “The Woman Question: Artist and Agency (1550-2025),” explores the historical and contemporary experiences of women in art. Gingeras’s collaboration with Zangrandi on “Musée Imaginaire” is a testament to her commitment to amplifying the voices and perspectives of women artists.
“Musée Imaginaire” is a playful and thought-provoking exhibition that challenges traditional art historical narratives and celebrates the significant contributions of women to portraiture. By reimagining the works of iconic women artists, Elisabetta Zangrandi invites viewers to reconsider the role of women in shaping art history and to embrace a more inclusive and equitable understanding of the art world.
