17th-Century Painter Michaelina Wautier Was Almost Lost to History. Will Blockbuster Shows Juice Her Market? | Artnet News
Artnet News
by Eileen KinsellaFebruary 25, 2026
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Michaelina Wautier, a 17th-century Flemish Baroque painter, has emerged from centuries of obscurity thanks to major exhibitions in Vienna and London. Known for her intricate and diverse works, which span still lifes and allegorical scenes, Wautier challenged the limitations placed on women artists of her era. Despite her talent, she was nearly forgotten due to historical neglect, misattribution, and confusion with her brother Charles, who shared a similar style.
Recent research suggests Wautier was born around 1614 in Mons, likely moving to Brussels seeking aristocratic patrons. Her work, initially overlooked, has been rediscovered through efforts by historians like Katlijne Van Der Stighelen, who identified her monumental *Triumph of Bacchus* in the Kunsthistoriches Museum. Art advisor Emma Kronman notes that Wautier's oeuvre was "not that lost," with a significant painting already archived but misclassified.
Wautier's auction history reflects both her growing recognition and underappreciation compared to male peers like Anthony van Dyck or female counterparts like Artemisia Gentileschi. Her highest sale reached $759,000 in 2019, while Gentileschi's works fetch millions. However, prices for Wautier have surged over the past decade, with some pieces selling
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Originally published on Artnet News on 2/25/2026