Unforgettable highlights more than 40 female artists from the 17th-century Low Countries, challenging their historical obscurity and showcasing their diverse contributions to art. Accompanies an exhibition at NMWA from September 26, 2025, to January 11, 2026, and at MSK Ghent in Belgium from March 7, 2026, to May 31, 2026.
The catalog spotlights the overlooked contributions of female artists in the 17th-century Low Countries. While renowned male artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer have long dominated art history, female artists such as Clara Peeters and Michaelina Wautier have received limited recognition. This book challenges the notion that women were exceptions in the art world, showcasing works by more than 40 artists across diverse media, including painting, sculpture, embroidery, and glass etching. It also highlights the socio-economic contexts that shaped their careers, exploring themes of identity, ambition, social expectations, and artistic networks. By reevaluating the hierarchy between "fine" and "applied" arts, the book underscores the significant role women played in the artistic economy. Through a thematic approach, Unforgettable aims to restore long-overdue recognition to these artists. Featuring works by: Maria Monincx, Johanna Koerten, Anna Maria De Koker, Maria Verelst, Maria De Grebber, Maria Strick, Elisabeth Rijberg, Josina Margareta Weenix, Anna Maria Janssens, Cornelia Van Der Mijn, and more.
Hardcover, 304 pages
