Clara Peeters Masterpiece Rediscovered in Oslo Museum Storage
In 2022, Cynthia Osiecki, a curator, discovered an anonymous still life titled 'Still Life with Small Game and Grapes on a Gilded Tazza', dating back to around 1620, at the National Museum of Norway. Originally thought to be by Ambrosius Brueghel, it was later deemed 'anonymous'. While researching Clara Peeters, Osiecki observed compositional similarities and possible self-portraits within the grapes. The painting lacked a signature due to damage from woodworms. Earlier this year, it was reattributed to Peeters and will be included in the 'Woman Painter' exhibition, set to open on 8 October, which highlights female artists from 1550 to 1650. Director Nora Ceciliedatter Nerdrum underscores the importance of recognizing women's contributions in art, and Osiecki anticipates further findings.
Key facts
- Cynthia Osiecki discovered an unattributed still life in the storage area of the National Museum of Norway in 2022.
- The painting 'Still Life with Small Game and Grapes on a Gilded Tazza' was created around 1620.
- It was previously attributed to Ambrosius Brueghel but later reclassified as 'anonymous'.
- Osiecki compared the panel supplier, tazza, and composition to works by Clara Peeters.
- The signature area was damaged by woodworm, explaining the lack of signature.
- Possible miniature self-portraits were found on the grapes.
- The painting was officially reattributed to Peeters earlier this year.
- It will be exhibited in 'Woman Painter' at the National Museum of Norway opening 8 October.
Entities
Artists
- Clara Peeters
- Ambrosius Brueghel
- Artemisia Gentileschi
- Lavinia Fontana
- Judith Leyster
Institutions
- National Museum of Norway
- Prado
- Ashmolean Museum
- Metropolitan Museum
Locations
- Oslo
- Norway
- Antwerp
- Madrid
- Oxford
- New York