A Legacy of Scholarship and Advocacy

Elsa Honig Fine, a renowned art historian celebrated for her pioneering work in feminist art studies, passed away on April 7 at the age of 94 in Manhattan. Her daughter, Amy Fine Collins, confirmed that the cause of death was heart failure.

Founding Woman’s Art Journal

In 1980, Fine established Woman’s Art Journal during a time when the art world was predominantly male. The journal filled a significant gap in scholarship after the closure of key feminist publications in the 1970s. “No one was publishing books on women,” stated Margaret Barlow, a co-founder of the journal, highlighting the need for representation in the field.

Highlighting Female Artists

Fine’s inaugural issue emphasized the importance of “recovering a lost heritage” of women artists. She was particularly concerned about prominent figures like Frida Kahlo and Alice Neel, whose work experienced cycles of interest followed by neglect.

The mission of the journal resonated with Judy Chicago’s iconic installation, The Dinner Party, which celebrated influential women throughout history. The installation featured 39 place settings, most resembling stylized vulvas, designed to elevate women who have been historically overlooked.

Groundbreaking Publications

Prior to the launch of Woman’s Art Journal, Fine made her mark in the field with the 1973 release of Women and Art: A History of Women Painters and Sculptors from the Renaissance to the 20th Century. This textbook presented the careers of nearly 100 women artists, bringing attention to figures such as Sofonisba Anguissola and Marisol Escobar.

In addition, Fine’s 1973 book, The Afro-American Artist: A Search for Identity, contributed to discussions on African American artists, although it faced criticism from some quarters. Still, it was recognized as a vital resource; Thelma Golden, director of the Studio Museum in Harlem, recalled it as one of the few references on Black artists available at that time.

A Personal Journey Through Art and Education

Elsa Betty Honig was born on May 24, 1930, in Bayonne, New Jersey. Her passion for art began in her teenage years and led her to study with Abstract Expressionist Hans Hofmann in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Fine earned her BFA from Syracuse University and later pursued further education, eventually obtaining a Ph.D. in education.

Driven by a desire to reform art education, particularly after observing the creative challenges faced by her daughters in public schooling, Fine endeavored to train art teachers. This mission ultimately sparked her interest in feminist scholarship.

Continued Influence and Recognition

Until her retirement in 2006, Fine wrote the editorial section “One Point Perspective” for each issue of the journal. Her final note reflected upon the progress of women artists over the years, noting the substantial change since the journal’s inception. Despite her retirement plans, the journal continued publishing with community support, solidifying its role as the longest-running feminist art publication.

Elsa Honig Fine leaves behind a remarkable legacy, not only through her writings but also through her daughters: Amy Fine Collins, who has worked as an editor and correspondent, and Erika Fine, a freelance writer and editor. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Flora Collins, and her sister, Doris Honig Guenter.