The first woman to be recognized as an art historian is often considered to be Anna Jameson (1794-1860). She was an English writer, art critic, and early art historian who made significant contributions to the field of art history and criticism during the 19th century.
Anna Jameson authored several influential books on art and artists, including "Sacred and Legendary Art" (1848) and "Legends of the Madonna" (1852). These works explored the religious and historical context of artworks and the lives of artists, and they helped shape the emerging discipline of art history.
Anna Jameson's writings were well-received and contributed to a growing interest in art history and the appreciation of art beyond the traditional academic and male-dominated circles of her time. She was a pioneer in her field, and her work laid the foundation for subsequent generations of art historians, including women, to engage with the study of art in a scholarly and critical manner.