Rediscovering Michaelina Wautier: A Baroque Artist's Journey from Obscurity to Recognition

Michaelina Wautier (circa 1614–1689) is a 17th-century Flemish painter whose works have recently gained attention, culminating in a major exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. This exhibition features 25 of her paintings, including notable pieces like *The Five Senses* series and *Flower Garland with a Butterfly* (1652). Wautier's rediscovery began in 1993 when Flemish art expert Katlijne Van der Stighelen identified *The Triumph of Bacchus* at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, sparking interest in her previously overlooked oeuvre.

Michaelina Wautier’s work was lost, hidden or misattributed to men—now her rediscovered paintings are going on show in LondonThe Guardian

Wautier was born in Mons, in the Spanish Netherlands, and lived with her artist brother, Charles Wautier, in Brussels. Despite her evident talent, much of her work was misattributed to male contemporaries, a common issue for female artists of her time. Wautier's ability to navigate various genres—portraits, history paintings, and decorative floral works—further complicated her recognition, as these were often associated with male artists. Over time, her works fell out of favor and were largely forgotten until recent efforts to reassess the contributions of female artists.

Michaelina Wautier’s work was lost, hidden or misattributed to men—now her rediscovered paintings are going on show in London

Wautier's paintings are characterized by a unique blend of baroque style and personal flair, showcasing her skill in handling paint. Her technique, described as "virtuosic," allows for rapid yet precise brushwork, reminiscent of masters like Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck. Notably, her *Five Senses* series subverts traditional representations, as seen in *Smell*, where a boy recoils from a rotten egg instead of engaging with a flower. This innovative approach highlights her distinct voice within the Baroque tradition.

Michaelina Wautier’s work was lost, hidden or misattributed to men—now her rediscovered paintings are going on show in London

Julien Domercq, curator at the Royal Academy, emphasizes the significance of Wautier's rediscovery, stating, "She is genuinely a rediscovery of the last 20 or 30 years." He notes that Wautier's work reflects a "very free, very assured way" of painting, setting her apart from her contemporaries. Domercq also expresses hope that the exhibition will lead to the discovery of more of Wautier's works, stating, "the catalogue will be almost obsolete when the show ends, because more works will be discovered."

Michaelina Wautier’s work was lost, hidden or misattributed to men—now her rediscovered paintings are going on show in London

Despite the excitement surrounding Wautier's rediscovery, some critics argue that the reliance on connoisseurship—identifying artistic authorship through stylistic recognition—can be subjective. While scientific analysis and scholarship are essential, the nuances of artistic expression may be overlooked in favor of more quantifiable methods.

The Guardian

The exhibition at the Royal Academy runs from March 27 to June 21, 2026, and is expected to raise awareness of Wautier's contributions to art history. As interest in her work grows, further investigations into her life and additional misattributed paintings are anticipated, potentially reshaping the narrative surrounding female artists in the Baroque period.

Michaelina Wautier’s work was lost, hidden or misattributed to men—now her rediscovered paintings are going on show in London

• “She is genuinely a rediscovery of the last 20 or 30 years,” — Julien Domercq, Curator, Royal Academy of Arts

Michaelina Wautier’s work was lost, hidden or misattributed to men—now her rediscovered paintings are going on show in London

• “What defines her from a lot of other people [of the period], including her brother, is a real virtuosic way of painting,” — Julien Domercq, Curator, Royal Academy of Arts

Michaelina Wautier’s work was lost, hidden or misattributed to men—now her rediscovered paintings are going on show in London

• “the catalogue will be almost obsolete when the show ends, because more works will be discovered.” — Julien Domercq, Curator, Royal Academy of Arts

Michaelina Wautier’s work was lost, hidden or misattributed to men—now her rediscovered paintings are going on show in London