Self-Portrait of the Artist in Her Studio

As you may know, in addition to presenting well-known, classic masterpieces, we also focus on art often forgotten by Academic, Western art history. Today we want to show you a forgotten woman artist who worked during the Dutch Golden Age: Maria Schalcken. She was the younger sister of the painter Godfried Schalcken. It was often the case that paintings created by women were attributed by scholars to men; that was also the case here. The self-portrait we present today was attributed to her brother until it was cleaned in the 20th century and her full signature appeared. While some paintings of artists in their studios depict the moment before work begins or give a glimpse midway through the process, this picture shows a triumphant completion. Holding her palette, brushes, and a mahl stick (used to steady the painter’s arm), Schalcken looks out at us and points at her creation.

This is one of only two known paintings by the artist.

P.S. Everybody knows Rembrandt and Vermeer but what about the women of Dutch Golden Age?  :)

P.P.S. If you would like to learn more about Women Artists, please check our 50 Women Artists Postcard Set.