Catharina van Hemessen
Time for something special! This small panel we present today, created by Catharina van Hemessen, is significant as the oldest known self-portrait of a female painter.
During van Hemessen's time, it was really tough for women who wanted to be painters. There were a lot of hurdles. To become a painter, they had to do things like studying dead bodies and learning about naked male bodies. Also, they had to be an apprentice, which meant living with an older artist for four to five years, usually starting when they were between 9 and 15 years old. Because of all these challenges, there were very few female artists, and those who did become artists often learned from someone in their family. Indeed, Catharina learned from her father, Jan Sanders.
The painting we present today is featured thanks to the Kunstmuseum Basel. Today is the beginning of our monthly partnership; for the next four Sundays, we will present paintings from their collection. :) This painting is also part of the Ingenious Women. Women Artists and their Companions show, which you can visit at the Kunstmuseum Basel until June 30, 2024. :) Don't miss it, if you're nearby!
P.S. If you're hungry for more art created by Women Artists, please check everything we have for you in the DailyArt Shop, including postcards, notebooks, and socks! Be sure to check them out - during March we're hosting a great sale of every product devoted to women artists :)
P.P.S. Explore more of the amazing (and groundbreaking) art by Catharina van Hemessen!