Mulheres de Tejucupapo – Feminism and history in Tereza Costa Rêgo’s work

Abstract

The article addresses the erasure of women in history and art, highlighting the importance of female participation in the Battle of Tejucupapo during the Dutch occupation of Pernambuco. Recognized as the first armed struggle in Brazil to involve women, this battle became a symbol of empowerment for women in the region and inspired painter Tereza Costa Rêgo to create a panel that rescues female historical protagonism. The artwork "Women of Tejucupapo" represents the rewriting of history through the art of a Northeastern artist who faced patriarchal oppression in her life.

Keywords
Feminism; History; Tereza Costa Rêgo; Heroines of Tejucupapo