10 influential women in Dutch history

From the series 10 things...

In this top 10 we will take a closer look at some important and influential women in Dutch history.

Portrait of Kenau Simonsdr Hasselaer Portrait of Kenau Simonsdr Hasselaer

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Kenau Hasselaer

Kenau Hasselaer was said to have defended her city heroically and with total disregard for her safety during the Spanish siege of Haarlem in 1573. All of it, however, was invented, a thrilling legend typical of the times.

Kenau Simonsdr Hasselaer, anonymous, c. 1590 - c. 1609

The Serenade The Serenade

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Judith Leyster

Judith Leyster (1609-1660) was one of the very few professional female painters of her time. She was also the first woman to be recognized as master painter.

Serenade, Judith Leyster, 1629

Self-portrait Self-portrait

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Gesina ter Borch

Like other members of her illustrious artist family, Gesina ter Borch was a gifted artist. Three albums assembled by her have been preserved, including a scrapbook containing portraits by her of well-to-do people in everyday settings.

Self-Portrait, Gesina ter Borch, 1661

Still Life with Flowers on a Marble Tabletop Still Life with Flowers on a Marble Tabletop

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Rachel Ruysch

Rachel Ruysch (1664-1750) her artistic talent was recognized early on and she became a renowned painter of floral still lifes. Even though she bore ten children, she nevertheless was appointed court painter to the Elector Palatine.

Still Life with Flowers on a Marble Tabletop, Rachel Ruysch, 1716 (detail)

Portrait of the Three Regentesses of the Leprozenhuis, Amsterdam Portrait of the Three Regentesses of the Leprozenhuis, Amsterdam

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Regentesses of the Leprozenhuis

Three regentesses took charge of the day-to-day running of the Lepers’ Asylum. Their identities are known from the family arms on the chimneypiece, above which the painting hung.

Portrait of the Three Regentesses of the Leprozenhuis, Amsterdam Ferdinand Bol (1616–1680), oil on canvas, c. 1668

Women’s Skating Competition on Stadsgracht, Leeuwarden, 21 January 1809 Women’s Skating Competition on Stadsgracht, Leeuwarden, 21 January 1809

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First Skating competition for women, 1809 in Leeuwarden

The competition was won by Houkje Gerrits Bouma. For greater ease, many had thrown off their cloaks. It left little to men’s imagination and caused an outcry; therefore it was the last women’s race for many years.

Women’s Skating Competition on Stadsgracht, Leeuwarden, 21 January 1809 Nicolaas Baur (1767-1820), oil on canvas, 1810

Portrait of Lizzy Ansingh Portrait of Lizzy Ansingh

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Lizzy Ansingh and Thérèse Schwartze

Lizzy Ansingh and Thérèse Schwartze belonged to the Amsterdamse Joffers, a group of women painters active around 1900. Schwartze was the undisputed star and enjoyed great success with her society portraits.

Portrait of Lizzy Ansingh Thérèse Schwartze (1851-1918), oil on canvas, 1902

Portrait of Marie Jeanette de Lange Portrait of Marie Jeanette de Lange

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Jeannette Bouman-de Lange

Jeannette was the chair of the Association for the Improvement of Women’s Clothing, allowing women greater freedom of movement. She also was involved in the organization of the the first manifestation of the Dutch Women's movement.

Portrait of Marie Jeanette de Lange Jan Toorop (1858-1928), oil on canvas, 1900

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M.P. Zettels

Miss M.P. Zettels was one of the first female employees of the Rijksmuseum. Besides working as the secretary to the museum director she was responsible for the administration of the museum.

Wombtomb Wombtomb

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Playful and liberating

Ferdi wanted to create a playful and liberating ‘environment’. The sexual symbolism of her furniture sculptures literally becomes palpable when one touches the soft synthetic fur. The Wombtomb lent itself to ‘happenings’, ‘performances’ and interaction.

Wombtomb, Ferdi, 1968