Revisiting Clara Peeters – The Forgotten Still Life Queen

When we speak of art history around the late seventeenth century, we only have a limited number of female artists to count. From the lack of art education to all the restrictions imposed on women during this period, there are numerous reasons that can be held responsible for the imbalance. However, some female artists still managed to overcome all such barriers and etched their names in the history of art. 

One such evergreen artist is the forgotten queen of still life Clara Peeters. While she has created many famous still life artworks, she is still quite underappreciated. This Flemish still life painter was not only the best female artist of her time but also one of those rare women, who got to pursue their passion for art, in those orthodox times of early modern Europe. While not much is known about the life of Clara Peeters, the artistic brilliance in her work can’t be overlooked. 

Who Was Clara Peeters?

Due to a lack of documents to corroborate the facts, Peeters’ life is still a mystery. All we know is that she was born in Antwerp. Based on some baptization records, a certain Clara Peeters was baptized on 15 May 1594 which is believed to be this artist herself. However, her first known painting is dated 1607, meaning she was only 13 years old at the time of its creation. Many scholars find it hard to believe that a child of just thirteen years could create such phenomenal and meticulous artwork. 

Most of her still life oil paintings were created during the period of 1607 - 1627. We assume Clara got married in 1639 and stopped creating paintings after her marriage. However, there are multiple assumptions about her marriage and her life after 1627, so nothing can be said with certainity. Based on object arrangements  and combinations in Clara Peeters’ artwork, it is believed that she was trained by another master of still life paintings, also based in Antwerp, Osias Beert. Some also believe that Peeters didn’t take any professional training and was trained by her father and artist, Jan Peeters.

Throwback and Analysis of Clara Peeters’ Still Life Paintings

Clara Peeters was one of the earliest creators of the banquet still life pieces, also known as “banketje” in Dutch. These paintings depict ordinary household items or food arrangements on the canvas, giving a glimpse into the era it was made. Some examples could be an arrangement of ceramic bowls, food items, goblets, utensils, flowers, and other similar objects. 

While there weren’t many known woman artists during this period, still life was a common style among them. Mainly because women were not allowed access to proper art training, or painting from live models. So the only accessible subjects for them were household items that they couldn’t take inspiration from.

One of Peeters’ most notable innovations was her use of reflective surfaces, such as polished metal and glass, to create intricate reflections within her paintings. This technique not only showcased her technical skill but also added a layer of depth and complexity to her work. In several of her paintings, Peeters included tiny self-portraits reflected in objects like pewter jugs or polished goblets. These hidden self-portraits are considered some of the earliest examples of self-representation in Western art and highlight her presence as an artist within her own work.

Notable Works

Several of Clara Peeters’ paintings have survived and are now housed in major museums around the world. These works provide valuable insights into her artistic vision and the themes that fascinated her.

Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds, and Pretzels

One of her most famous works, this painting exemplifies Peeters’ attention to detail and her ability to capture the textures and surfaces of different materials. The composition is carefully arranged to draw the viewer’s eye around the table, where various foods are displayed with meticulous precision. The reflective surface of the pewter plate and the delicate rendering of the cheese rinds and almonds showcase her technical prowess.

Still Life with Flowers, Goblet, Dried Fruit, and Pretzels

This painting is another excellent example of Peeters’ skill in depicting a variety of textures and surfaces. The flowers are rendered with exceptional detail, capturing the delicate petals and vibrant colors. The goblet, with its reflective surface, again includes a tiny self-portrait of the artist, demonstrating her innovative approach to self-representation.

Still Life with Fish and Cat

In this work, Peeters combines her interest in food and domestic scenes with a touch of narrative. The cat, poised to snatch one of the fish, adds a sense of movement and life to the composition. The fish themselves are rendered with remarkable realism, highlighting Peeters’ ability to capture the natural world with precision.

Peeters’ Influence and Legacy

Clara Peeters’ work had a significant impact on the development of still life painting in the 17th century. Her meticulous attention to detail and innovative use of reflections set a new standard for the genre. While it is difficult to trace a direct line of influence from Peeters to later artists, it is clear that her work was highly regarded during her lifetime and served as a model for other still life painters.

Peeters’ inclusion of self-portraits within her paintings also had a lasting influence on the genre. By embedding her image within her work, she asserted her presence and agency as an artist, challenging the traditional invisibility of women in the art world. This act of self-representation paved the way for future generations of female artists to assert their own identities within their work.

Challenges and Recognition

Despite her achievements, Clara Peeters faced significant challenges as a female artist in the early 17th century. Women were often excluded from formal artistic training and professional guilds, making it difficult for them to gain recognition and support. Peeters’ ability to establish herself as a successful professional artist is a testament to her exceptional talent and determination.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Peeters’ work, and she has received greater recognition for her contributions to art history. Major museums, including the Prado Museum in Madrid and the Mauritshuis in The Hague, have acquired and displayed her paintings, bringing her work to a wider audience. Exhibitions dedicated to her work have also helped to highlight her importance and influence.

The Unforgettable Contributions of Clara Peeters to Art History

Clara Peeters’ early life and career as an artist offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of 17th-century still life painting. Despite the societal constraints of her time, she managed to carve out a successful career and make significant contributions to the genre. Her meticulous attention to detail, innovative use of reflections, and subtle self-portraits set her apart from her contemporaries and have left a lasting legacy in the history of art.

Peeters’ work continues to inspire and captivate viewers today, serving as a reminder of her remarkable skill and vision. As we continue to uncover and celebrate the contributions of women artists throughout history, Clara Peeters stands as a pioneering figure whose work deserves to be remembered and appreciated.