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Michaelina Wautier at the Royal Academy

This live online lecture introduces Michaelina Wautier ahead of her landmark Royal Academy exhibition. Led by Prof. Katlijne Van der Stighelen, whose research rediscovered the artist, the session explores Wautier’s remarkable oeuvre and the growing recognition of her place among the leading painters of the Baroque period.

Hosted by: Art History in Focus
Lecturer: Prof. Katlijne Van der Stighelen
Date & Time: Thursday, 28 May, 6:00 PM (BST)
Format: Live Online Lecture

Michaelina Wautier at the Royal Academy is a live online lecture presented by Art History in Focus, offering an exclusive introduction to the Royal Academy’s major exhibition dedicated to this rediscovered 17th-century master.

Active in Brussels during the Baroque period, Michaelina Wautier is now recognised as one of the leading artists of her time, despite centuries in which her works were misattributed or overlooked. Her rediscovery is largely due to the pioneering research of Professor Katlijne Van der Stighelen, who first identified her authorship and has since dedicated decades to reconstructing her legacy.

This lecture provides unique insight into Wautier’s artistic range — from portraits and still lifes to ambitious history paintings — and introduces key works featured in the Royal Academy exhibition (27 March – 21 June 2026).

The session will also explore the story behind her monumental Triumph of Bacchus, a work that challenged long-held assumptions about the scope and ambition of women artists in the 17th century.

The lecture lasts approximately one hour, including a live Q&A, and a recording will be available for a limited time following the event for registered participants.

How to Attend