Rush to the National Gallery: Catharina van Hemessen exhibition is a new first

In a groundbreaking moment for art history, the National Gallery in London will host the first UK exhibition solely dedicated to Flemish Renaissance painter Catharina van Hemessen (1527/28–after 1565). In a different theme to previous exhibitions at the National Gallery, this one will be running from March 4 to May 30, 2027, this exhibition will bring together most of her signed works from international collections, offering an unprecedented opportunity to explore the legacy of one of Europe’s earliest documented female painters. She was a pioneer Catharina van Hemessen is celebrated as the earliest European female artist whose works can be definitively attributed, thanks to her practice of signing her paintings. Known for her small-scale, intimate portraits of women, created in the late 1540s and early 1550s, her works are characterised by their psychological depth and technical finesse. These portraits, often depicting sitters in formal attire, reflect the influence of the Habsburg court and showcase van Hemessen’s ability to capture the subtleties of human emotion. One of the highlights of the exhibition is her 1551 Portrait of a Woman, part of the National Gallery’s collection. This piece exemplifies her mastery of detail and her innovative approach to portraiture, which set her apart in a male-dominated field. A family of artists Born in Antwerp, Catharina was the daughter of Jan Sanders van Hemessen, a prominent Mannerist painter. Her father’s workshop served as her training ground, where she honed her skills and collaborated on projects. The exhibition will also explore this familial artistic ecosystem, shedding light on the… Read More