Woman Painter at National Museum of Norway Reexamines 16th- and 17th-Century Women Artists
In Oslo, the National Museum of Norway is showcasing "Woman Painter," an exhibition that reevaluates the contributions of female artists from 16th- and 17th-century Europe. This display features 51 artworks created by 19 women, emphasizing their intricate themes, public commissions, and significant mythological pieces. Co-curator Patrizia Cavazzini highlights the artistic skills of women, while co-curator Cynthia Osiecki points out that women painted in a manner akin to their male counterparts. A standout piece is Lavinia Fontana's "Minerva in the Act of Dressing" (1613), recognized as the first female-painted female nude. The exhibition, which includes works by Artemisia Gentileschi and a newly attributed still life by Clara Peeters, is open until 7 February 2027 and will later move to Galleria Borghese in Rome in spring, featuring two altarpieces by Michaelina Wautier.
Key facts
- The exhibition Woman Painter is on view at the National Museum of Norway in Oslo until 7 February 2027.
- It features 51 paintings by 19 women artists from the 16th and 17th centuries.
- Lavinia Fontana's Minerva in the Act of Dressing (1613) is considered the first female-painted female nude.
- The show includes a newly attributed still life by Clara Peeters, previously thought to be by Brueghel.
- Conservation of Artemisia Gentileschi's Mary Magdalene Penitent (c1640) strengthened her attribution.
- Research revealed that Claudia del Bufalo, painter of her sister Faustina (1604), was not aristocratic but a well-known Roman cultural figure.
- Judith Leyster was a member of the Haarlem artists' guild and managed her husband's workshop.
- The exhibition will travel to the Galleria Borghese in Rome in spring 2027.
Entities
Artists
- Lavinia Fontana
- Patrizia Cavazzini
- Cynthia Osiecki
- Cardinal Scipione Borghese
- Artemisia Gentileschi
- Orazio Gentileschi
- Plautilla Nelli
- Mechtelt van Lichtenberg toe Boecop
- Michaelina Wautier
- Clara Peeters
- Brueghel
- Ribera
- Claudia del Bufalo
- Faustina del Bufalo
- Judith Leyster
- Jan Miense Molenaer
- Joanna Moorhead
- Sofonisba Anguissola
Institutions
- National Museum of Norway
- Galleria Borghese
- Royal Academy
- Artlyst
Locations
- Oslo
- Norway
- Rome
- Italy
- Florence
- Haarlem
- London