Unforgettable: Landmark Exhibition Celebrates Overlooked Women Artists of the Low Countries

A groundbreaking exhibition, “Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600–1750,” is challenging traditional art historical narratives by spotlighting the significant contributions of female artists from the Low Countries. The exhibition debuted at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) in Washington, D.C. and is now traveling to the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK) in Belgium, opening March 7, 2026.

Rewriting Art History

For centuries, the work of women artists in the 17th and 18th centuries has been largely overlooked or misattributed. This exhibition, co-curated by Virginia Treanor of NMWA and Frederica van Dam of MSK, aims to rectify this historical imbalance. It presents a fresh perspective on a culturally significant era, acknowledging the vital role women played in the artistic life of the Low Countries—an area encompassing present-day Belgium and the Netherlands.

A Showcase of Talent

“Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam” features nearly 150 artworks by 40 Dutch and Flemish women artists, many of which are being exhibited in the U.S. For the first time. The exhibition encompasses a diverse range of mediums, including paintings, prints, sculpture, paper cuttings, embroidery, and lace. Featured artists include Gesina ter Borch, Maria Faydherbe, Judith Leyster, Maria van Oosterwijck, Magdalena van de Passe, Clara Peeters, Rachel Ruysch, Jeanne Vergouwen, and Michaelina Wautier. The exhibition as well highlights the contributions of unnamed makers whose skilled textile production was crucial to the economy of the time.

Collaboration and Expertise

The exhibition is a collaborative effort between the NMWA and MSK Ghent. Dr. Frederica Van Dam, Department Head of Exhibitions & Curator of Old Masters at MSK, specializes in Southern Netherlandish early modern painting and women artists. Virginia Treanor, Associate Curator at NMWA, focuses on women in the arts and Dutch and Flemish art of the 17th century. Additional scholars contributing to the project include Dr. Katie Altizer, curatorial fellow at NMWA, and a team of experts from various universities including KULeuven, University of Maryland, Universiteit Amsterdam, and Pratt Institute.

Exhibition Details

• Dates: March 7 – May 31, 2026
• Location: Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK), Belgium
• Focus: Women artists from the Low Countries (1600–1750)

Looking Ahead

“Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam” represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and accurate understanding of art history. By bringing these forgotten artists to light, the exhibition encourages a reevaluation of the artistic landscape of the 17th and 18th centuries and celebrates the enduring legacy of women’s creativity.