‘Women, art and antiquity. Breaking clichés’ is a project of the Arsmaya Research Group that aims to make visible the role played by women in past societies, particularly in relation to tasks that have been traditionally overlooked and erased from historical narratives.

Despite having played important roles in their culture, some women remain relatively unknown. However, historiography and visual culture have portrayed other women as protagonists in romantic stories, as figures of intrigue and betrayal, and even as archetypes of the femme fatale. It is therefore important not only to make them visible, but also to give them the place they deserve in history.

Arsmaya’s commitment to social transfer has led the research group to promote historical recreations based on the joint work of the team and the artist Erika Meijide Jansen. These images, which are used every year in well-received printed calendars, show the role of women in ancient times in various political, economic, social and cultural settings. The research group’s work is based on the results of research into the cultures of the pre-Hispanic Americas and the ancient Mediterranean.

To this end, Arsamaya has conducted in-depth research into these women’s biographies and identities and has produced reconstructions and portraits that highlight their contribution to diplomatic, political, intellectual, artistic and business activities, drawing on archaeological, written and iconographic sources.

Developers of the project