The ancient world was the beginning of a new development for humanity. Art and written records began to emerge, and humans also began to leave a permanent mark on Earth. Not only did this period bring prosperity and good fortune for some, but a dark side included the mistreatment and discrimination of women. Women were despised by men and were seen as fragile and weak and not worthy of the same rights as men. Women were seen only as a means to bring life into the world and provide relief to men. The selected artworks reflect women who refused to bow to this negative interpretation of the female gender. Pharaoh Hatshepsut, Queen Nefertiti, Queen Boudica and Joan of Arc showed society how one person, one woman, can achieve many things and make a difference for herself and her people. These women, each with their own individual approach, stood firm and took a stand in the male world in which they found themselves. They were brave, heroic, outspoken and often reviled for what they stood for. Yet they managed to leave a mark on history and the world of art. Their lives and stories allow the modern world to glimpse the struggles and difficulties that accompany the desire for equality. These women represented the beginning of feminism and its roots date back to the ancient world. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of only three female pharaohs, rose to power and claimed the Egyptian throne, going against tradition and fighting for her right to be the ruler. Her people tried to oppose her. The concept of a woman as a public leader while possessing the powers of a king, with no man to hold her back, frightened people. Hatshepsut knew she could not gain the respect of her people as a woman, so she chose to portray herself as a man. He did not back down in the face of his people's hatred and contempt, choosing instead to overcome resentment and govern successfully for two decades. Queen Nefertiti, although not a pharaoh of Egypt, had the respect of her husband, Akhenaten, and was shown as her equal in many sculptural reliefs. This is unusual because most women of this era were depicted at 1/10 the size of the image of their husband, i.e. Ramesses II. The healthy relationship between husband and wife reflects the fact that she had self-awareness and personal power that allowed her to build a balanced relationship with her husband, even if atypical in the society in which they lived. Queen Boudica of Iceni, a widowed woman after her husband's death, led a rebellion against Rome, attempting to regain her kingdom after the Romans raped and abused her daughters. She would no longer sit still while her people were overtaken and massacred by Roman soldiers. Single-handedly, she led thousands of her people into battle against the Romans, displaying courage and courage, proving that women are just as capable of being warriors as men. Although she was ultimately defeated, her legacy remains and Boudica represented the struggles women suffer for equality and freedom from oppression. Joan of Arc, a French maiden, made it her mission to free France from the tyrannical reign of the English. and instill the rightful heir to the throne. Similar to Hatshepsut, she dressed as a man to carry out her plans to take back France from the English, as women were not respected or seen as warriors. Just a young woman, Joan of Arc symbolizes the will of the French people and the courage needed to fight against and against English tyranny. Please note: this is just one.