In a surprising twist, a painting by Clara Peeters was recently unearthed in the storage room of a museum in Oslo by art historian Cynthia Osiecki in 2022. Osiecki, who had been researching the renowned 17th-century Flemish Baroque artist, stumbled upon the unattributed still-life painting while on the hunt for a piece by Peeters.

The discovery of the painting, titled “Still Life with Small Game and Grapes on a Gilded Tazza,” initially thought to be the work of Ambrosius Brueghel, a member of a famous artistic family in Antwerp, Belgium, marked a significant moment in art history. After years of meticulous investigation, the painting was officially reattributed to Peeters, showcasing her unique style and attention to detail.

Peeters, known for her intricate still-life compositions and subtle self-portraits hidden within everyday objects, has long been overshadowed by male artists of her time. The National Museum of Norway is shining a light on historic female artists like Peeters with the upcoming exhibition “Woman Painter,” featuring works by 19 female artists spanning northern Europe and Italy from 1550 to 1650.

Osiecki’s keen eye and dedication to uncovering female artists’ contributions led to the successful identification of the painting, despite challenges such as woodworm damage obscuring Peeters’ signature. Through thorough research and comparison with other works, the true artist behind the masterpiece was revealed, underscoring the importance of recognizing and celebrating overlooked female artists in the art world.