In a surprising turn of events, a painting by Clara Peeters was discovered in the storage of an Oslo museum by art historian and curator Cynthia Osiecki. Osiecki, who had been researching the 17th-century Flemish Baroque artist, suspected the unattributed still-life painting might be a lost work by Peeters.
The piece, titled “Still Life with Small Game and Grapes on a Gilded Tazza,” was initially thought to be created by Ambrosius Brueghel before being labeled as “anonymous” and stored away. Through meticulous examination and comparison with other works, Osiecki was able to confirm that the painting was indeed by Peeters.
Peeters, known for her expertise in still-life painting and subtle self-portraits within her works, used unique elements like reflections in shiny surfaces and specific object placements. The Oslo painting showcased dead birds, hazelnuts, apricots, and distinctive grapes that hinted at Peeters’ signature style.
Despite challenges such as woodworm damage obscuring Peeters’ typical signature spot, Osiecki’s dedication and collaborative efforts led to the successful attribution of the painting. The National Museum of Norway plans to feature the artwork prominently in an upcoming exhibition called “Woman Painter,” aiming to highlight historic female artists like Peeters.
Osiecki emphasized the importance of continuing to uncover and recognize overlooked female artists, stressing the need for extensive research and scrutiny in attributing artworks. The rediscovery of Peeters’ painting serves as a reminder of the ongoing work required to give due credit to women artists throughout history.