An overlooked masterpiece by artist Clara Peeters was unexpectedly found in storage at an Oslo museum by art historian and curator Cynthia Osiecki in 2022. The painting, originally thought to be by Ambrosius Brueghel, was reattributed to Peeters after Osiecki’s meticulous research efforts spanning several years.
Peeters, a pioneering 17th-century Flemish Baroque artist, was known for embedding subtle self-portraits in her works, asserting her identity in a male-dominated art world. The piece, titled “Still Life with Small Game and Grapes on a Gilded Tazza,” features dead birds, hazelnuts, and apricots, with distinctive elements characteristic of Peeters’ style.
Osiecki’s discovery sheds light on the underrepresentation of female artists, prompting the National Museum of Norway to showcase works by historic female artists in an upcoming exhibition, including Peeters. Despite challenges like woodworm damage obscuring Peeters’ signature, the painting’s journey back to its rightful attribution highlights the ongoing need to recognize and celebrate women artists’ contributions.
The reattributed painting will be a centerpiece at the museum’s exhibition, emphasizing the importance of continued research to uncover and acknowledge overlooked female artists and their significant artistic legacies.