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Rediscovered baroque master: Michaelina Wautier Exhibition to Launch in Vienna
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A major exhibition dedicated to the work of Michaelina Wautier, a 17th-century Belgian painter, will open at the Kunsthistorisches museum (KHM) in Vienna on September 30th. Considered one of the most meaningful art-historical rediscoveries in recent decades, Wautier’s work has long been overlooked, and this exhibition marks a pivotal moment in re-establishing her place in art history.
A Forgotten Talent Emerges
Born in Belgium at the beginning of the 17th century, Michaelina Wautier is now recognized as a leading figure of the Baroque period. For years, her paintings were misattributed or simply forgotten, obscuring her contributions to the era. this exhibition, a collaboration between the KHM and the royal Academy of Arts in London, aims to rectify that historical oversight. Wautier’s family were also artists; her brothers were painters and her sister a nun who was a published author.
the rediscovery began in the early 2000s when art historian Dr. Emilie Gordenker noticed a pattern of unsigned paintings with a distinctive style. Further research, including archival work and stylistic analysis, revealed these works to be by Wautier. the process involved painstaking attribution, confirming her authorship through documentation and artistic characteristics.
Vienna’s Landmark Exhibition
The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna will dedicate a significant portion of its autumn programming to showcasing Wautier’s oeuvre. According to a museum statement, the exhibition will feature a complete collection of her paintings, offering viewers a rare opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of her artistic talent. The collaboration with the Royal Academy of Arts in London underscores the international significance of this rediscovery. The exhibition will run through January 12, 2025, before moving to London’s Royal Academy of Arts in February 2025.
The Significance of the Rediscovery
The resurgence of interest in Wautier highlights a growing trend within art history: the re-evaluation of female artists whose contributions were historically marginalized. This exhibition isn’t simply a festivity of a single painter; it’s a testament to the ongoing effort to create a more inclusive and accurate understanding of art history. The rediscovery of Michaelina Wautier serves as a powerful reminder of the countless artistic voices that have been silenced or overlooked throughout history, and this exhibition promises to be a landmark event in her long-overdue recognition.
