It is indeed a remarkable testament to the indomitable male ego that a biblical theme holding forth an exemplum of female chastity should have become in painting a celebration of sexual opportunity, or, as Max Rooses enthusiastically described Ruben's version, a "gllant enterprise mounted by two bold adventures."

Mary Garrard

What is important is that women face up to the reality of hteir historya nd of their present situation. Disadvantage may indeed be an excuse; it is not, however, an intllectual [osition. Rather, using their situation as undersdogs and otusiders as avantage oint, women can reveal institutuional and intelllectual wekanesses in general, and , at the same time that they destroy false consciousnesness, take part in the creation of institutions in which clear thought and true greatness are challenges opne to anyone - man or women - courageous enough to take the ncessary risk, the leap into the unknown.

Linda Nochlin, "Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?"