Clara Peeters
Not much is known about Clara Peeters, an artist who worked in Flanders and Holland during the first half of the 17th century. What we know, however, is that she was a master of still-life paintings at a time when women were generally not allowed to pursue art professionally and were rarely included in guilds.
Peeters specialized in skillfully rendered still lifes—one of the few subjects deemed appropriate for women artists. Approximately 30 of her works are known to exist, characterized by thin paint application, near monochromatic palettes, and delightful details. Her compositions range from simple arrangements to elaborate banquet pieces, such as Still Life with Crab, Shrimps and Lobster. This painting depicts a bounty of food alongside valuable metal and ceramic objects in a tightly spaced, balanced composition.
Much like the artist herself, the meaning of this work remains a mystery. Is it merely a painting of an opulent feast, a genre popular for showcasing the worldliness, wealth, and refinement of the painting’s owner? The abundant buffet and luxurious serving ware certainly suggest affluence.
One way or another ... I feel really hungry when I look at her paintings!
P.S. You can find Peeters's works in our amazing set of 50 postcards featuring great women artists!
P.P.S. Here are 5 other Baroque female painters everyone should know!