Michaelina Wautier Recognized as Flemish Old Master in Major Exhibition

A new exhibition opening on September 30 in Vienna spotlights Michaelina Wautier, a 17th-century female Flemish painter, whose monumental works and diverse subjects are gaining long-overdue recognition, challenging the traditional small-scale female art typically seen from that period. The show includes history paintings, portraits, still lifes, and allegorical series that reveal Wautier's exceptional talent for large-scale compositions, which was rare for women artists who lacked workshops. In a related thematic vein, Drusilla Modjeska's recent book, A Woman's Eye, Her Art, explores the feminist perspective in European painting and photography, highlighting how female artists have transitioned from being objects of the male gaze to assertive subjects with distinctive visions. Modjeska’s work emphasizes the complex interplay between gender, perception, and artistic expression, drawing from feminist art criticism and historical influences to underscore the challenges and achievements of women artists. Both the exhibition and book underscore the evolving recognition of female artists' contributions and the importance of their perspectives in art history and contemporary discourse.