In 1993, an art historian found a forgotten painting; 33 years later, its female creator was rediscovered

A remarkable find by an art historian in 1993 ignited a relentless pursuit to recover the lost masterpieces of Michaelina Wautier. This accomplished 17th-century painter’s works had long been misattributed to men throughout history. The pivotal recovery of her ‘The Five Senses’ series in 2020 heralded a new era, culminating in a landmark exhibition at London’s Royal Academy in 2026, finally restoring her rightful legacy after centuries in the shadows.