In the 20th century, women played key roles in politics, science, art, and social life, leaving an indelible mark on history.

John Wesley Hardrick built his reputation in Indianapolis as a go-to portrait artist. He painted well-known figures like school principals and business leaders in the early and mid-20th century.

From reveling miners lounging against a California desert-meets-industrial landscape in Paul Sharrett Sample’s 1933 painting “Celebration,” to a line of women cheering on a parade of the men ...