Becoming Painters – National Museum, Oslo, Sweden

Between 1550 and 1650, a number of women built professional careers as artists in a male-dominated field. The exhibition “W̶o̶m̶a̶n̶ Painter” highlights these pioneers as central figures in Europe’s art scene.

In the written history of art, women artists have often been overlooked or underestimated. When art historian Linda Nochlin asked in 1971 “Why have there been no great women artists?”, she challenged ideas about who gets a place in the narrative. “W̶o̶m̶a̶n̶ Painter” continues this discussion by shining a light on women who were recognised in their day, but later fell into obscurity.

How could women become artists at a time when training, workshops and academies were largely reserved for men? The exhibition explores how women artists found their way into the profession and carved out positions for themselves. By focusing on their education, networks and subject matter, “W̶o̶m̶a̶n̶ Painter” provides a new perspective on art history.

Developed in collaboration with the Galleria Borghese in Rome, the exhibition is an opportunity to discover the work of women artists from northern and southern Europe. Some fifty religious paintings, portraits and still lifes by artists such as Artemisia Gentileschi, Clara Peeters, Michaelina Wautier and Lavinia Fontana are presented alongside works by their teachers.

“W̶o̶m̶a̶n̶ Painter” connects historical art to questions that remain relevant today: visibility, recognition, access to training and who defines artistic quality. Through the encounter with the artists in the exhibition, visitors are invited to discover a richer and more complex narrative of art in Europe.