THE WOMEN OF THE RIJKSMUSEUM
words NIA TOPALOVA
editor MARIA MOTA
The Women of the Rijksmuseum project is reclaiming space long denied to female artists more than ever before. With support from CHANEL Arts & Culture, the Rijksmuseum aims to give women’s contributions their rightful place in the spotlight.
In honor of International Women’s Day, we were fortunate to be a part of the incredible experience at the symposium, which brought together 200 women to discuss the steps made by the project. The symposium, titled Fabric of Fame, shifted the focus from the artists themselves to the objects they created and the often-overlooked roles women played in shaping the art world. By re-examining the stories of artists, collectors, users, and patrons, the symposium aimed to reveal to us the hidden histories of women that have often been forgotten and not given proper attention to.
A private tour of the museum introduced us to works linked to the symposium's themes. One painting’s narrative that spoke volumes to us was Portrait of Isabel Parreno y Arce, Marquise of Llano, which underscored the very mission of the Women of the Rijksmuseum project: to correct the historical oversight of women in art and culture.
The Rijksmuseum has expanded its collection to include works by female artists such as Maria van Oosterwijck, Gesina ter Borch, and Carrie Mae Weems. Among the most notable acquisitions is Vanitas Still Life by Maria van Oosterwijck, now on display in the Gallery of Honour. This 17th-century Dutch still life, known for its rich symbolism, is the first painting by Van Oosterwijck to be prominently featured in the museum’s most prestigious gallery. Works by figures like Maria Sibylla Merian, Wilhelmina Drupsteen, and Carrie Mae Weems have been added to the collection, further diversifying the museum’s offerings and enhancing the representation of women in the art world.
The Women of the Rijksmuseum project felt like a call to action to reconsider how art history is told, transforming the way the world views the contributions of women to art and culture. The collaboration between the Rijksmuseum and CHANEL is particularly significant, as it underscores the role of corporate partnerships in fostering long-term cultural change. CHANEL’s commitment to empowering women in art and culture aligns with the project’s goals, amplifying the visibility of women artists and ensuring their stories are firmly embedded in the course of history.
We’ve had a truly inspiring experience at this year’s edition, and we can’t wait to explore The Women of the Rijksmuseum next year!
