History of the Breast

Our tours at the National Gallery use storytelling to spark conversations about how women have been represented in visual culture—past and present—their roles in society, and how these depictions continue to shape our perceptions of women, their bodies, and the expectations placed upon them today.

We explore art history through a non-academic and accessible approach, where everyone is welcome to share their thoughts and engage with artworks in an informed, critical, and accessible way.

This particular tour was developed after we learned more about the work of the Mastectomy Makers & Community. Together, we were inspired to explore the representation of women’s bodies—and specifically the meaning of the breast—in artworks at the National Gallery.

From the Virgin Mary breastfeeding in medieval imagery, to sensual depictions of Venus interacting with Cupid, to allegorical scenes of daughters breastfeeding their fathers as symbols of charity, and even to portrayals of older women and witches as outsiders—these images reveal how women’s bodies have long been used to define their roles, identities, and even their power within society.

Time and again, we encounter bodies that seem to belong not to women themselves, but to cultural expectations and imposed meanings.

During the tour, we will explore around eight paintings in which women’s bodies—particularly sexualised parts—are exposed. Each artwork offers its own narrative, interpretation, and emotional response. Whether it is admiration, discomfort, amusement, or surprise, these reactions reveal as much about us as viewers as they do about the artworks themselves.

Whose perspective shapes these images, and whose voices are missing?

Together, we will reflect on how women’s bodies have been scrutinised throughout visual history, and how ideas of beauty and sexuality are culturally constructed, constantly evolving and open to challenge.

Join us for an engaging tour and conversation as we explore London’s National Gallery through a gendered lens.

Have you ever wondered:

• Why are there so many female nudes in art history?
• Why are there so few women artists represented on gallery walls?

Our tours highlight both celebrated and overlooked artworks, creating space for open dialogue around themes such as beauty standards, power, motherhood, ageing, and representation.

Together, we will develop our visual literacy skills and consider how historical artworks connect to the images we encounter every day—in films, advertising, and social media.

This tour will be led by María González.

María is the founder and CEO of SHEROES COLLECTIVE (formerly Lon-art), established in 2010, where she works as a creative director, producer, and curator. She holds a BA in Art History, a Postgraduate Diploma in Social & Cultural Anthropology, and a Teaching Certificate in Art History from Complutense University in Madrid.

She has also undertaken further training in Education in Contexts of Poverty and in Arts, Culture, and Civic Responsibility with the Organization of Ibero-American States. María has delivered a wide range of creative and educational projects—including exhibitions, talks, workshops, tours, and professional development sessions for artists—across the UK and internationally.

Everyone is welcome regardless of gender, age, or background.

We look forward to hearing your perspectives and reimagining art history together.

20% of the profits will support an upcoming project by artist Abigail Hammond, celebrating bodies that are often excluded from mainstream representations.