Who are Marie Bashkirtseff, Magdalena Moons and Catharina van Hemessen? These important female historical figures are known to specialists in their fields, but perhaps you are seeing their names for the first time. That’s because with the passing of time they have receded into the background.

For the coming years, the Women of the Rijksmuseum research project will be working to trace and highlight the stories of female artists, donors and key historical figures. This page is where we bring together those stories for international women’s day – and every other day of the year, of course.

From 17th century artist Judith Leyster

Dolls’ house of Petronella Oortman Dolls’ house of Petronella Oortman

Not a child’s toy, but a pastime for ladies

Portrait of Catharina van Braam Houckgeest Portrait of Catharina van Braam Houckgeest

Portrait in the mirror