Style is often associated with fashion or interiors, but for artist and author Dan Landau, style is something far more enduring.
The inspiration for Landau's latest portrait collection began at home with his two daughters. As he wondered what careers they might pursue one day, another thought followed: “Why were so few accomplished women from history immediately coming to mind?”
That realization sparked a five-year passion project combining history, illustration, and storytelling into a collection of 37 hand-drawn portraits celebrating women whose contributions deserve greater recognition. "If you can see something, you can be it much easier," Landau says. "If you can see it, you can be it." Every portrait serves as a reminder that representation has the power to shape futures.
Working from historical photographs, Landau carefully illustrates each subject over meaningful maps connected to their stories. The artwork is paired with extensive research, allowing readers to discover who they were as people.
His favorite stories aren't always the most famous. They're the women who reinvented themselves, challenged expectations, or decided to make a difference—whether that meant setting world running records after turning 100 or writing a letter that inspired change.
Ultimately, Landau hopes readers walk away believing that meaningful impact isn't reserved for a select few. "I think having some kind of model that you can see even just a little part of yourself in is really helpful to show you what's possible," he says. "And then once you see that, you can build on it in your own way."
The project isn't simply about celebrating history—it's about inspiring future generations to imagine new possibilities for themselves. By highlighting women from different backgrounds, professions, and eras, Landau hopes readers recognize that courage, determination, and curiosity can be found in ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things.
In a world that often celebrates what's trending, Landau reminds us that true style never goes out of fashion.
Discover these extraordinary stories and view the complete portrait collection at danlandau.net.
”Why were so few accomplished women from history immediately coming to mind?”—Dan Landau