10 influential women in Dutch history

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.