5 self-portraits of female artists you probably haven’t seen (and should’ve been)

When you think of a self-portrait, the famous names and works of Dürer, Rembrandt or Van Gogh most likely come to mind. Here you have a chance to get acquainted with five self-portraits that you probably have not seen before, but in vain - they were created by both professional artists and amateurs in different periods of history.

1. Gezina ter Borch

Gezina ter Borch (1633-1690) was a Dutch Golden Age illustrator, watercolorist and draftsman. Her work consisted mainly of scenes from everyday life. She was born into an artistic family and developed her artistic skills, studying with her father Gerard ter Borch the Elder, as well as with her brothers Harmen and Moses and half-brother Gerard ter Borch (II). She was also Gerard’s favorite model. Being very talented, Gezina was an amateur. Therefore, during her lifetime, her art did not go far beyond the home circle. Along with painting, she wrote poetry.

In this self-portrait, she holds a fan, considered an exotic fashion accessory, which the Dutch East India Company began importing from China at the time.

2. Amalia Wilhelmina von Königsmark

Amalia Wilhelmina von Königsmark (attr.), Allegory with self-portrait and profile portrait of Ulrika Eleanor the Elder, 1689, National Museum, Stockholm, Sweden.

Amalia "Emilia" Wilhelmina Königsmark (1663-1740) belonged to a German-Swedish noble family. She was known as an amateur artist, actor and poet. This painting depicts four female figures: the right figure holding a brush, probably Amalia von Königsmark herself. It features a profile portrait of Ulrika Eleanor of Denmark, Queen Consort of Sweden. The female figure in the laurel wreath, pointing to the royal portrait, is Amalia’s sister, Aurora. Behind her, Fama, the goddess of rumor and reputation, examines the scene.

3. Anna Maria van Schurman

Anna Maria van Schurmann, self-portrait, 1633, Austrian National Library, Vienna, Austria.

Anna Maria van Schurmann (1607-1678) is a 17th century Dutch artist of German descent, known for her paintings and prints. In 1636 she studied at the University of Utrecht, becoming the first university student in Europe. She is also the first famous Dutch painter to use pastels in portraits. In 1643, she received an honorary membership in the Guild of Artists of Saint Luke, which meant public recognition for her art.

In addition to the visual arts, Shurman was a poet and scientist and spoke 14 languages.

4. Helene Schjerfbeck

Helene Schjerfbeck, Self-portrait with a red spot, 1944, Finnish National Gallery, Helsinki, Finland.

Helene Schjerfbeck (1862-1946) has created over 40 self-portraits throughout her life. The older she got, the more isolated she became. For lack of models, she drew herself. Her later portraits show her physical deterioration with shocking frankness.

5. Amanda Seedwall

Amanda Seedwall, self-portrait, 1870-1871, National Museum, Stockholm, Sweden.

Amanda Sidwall (1844-1892) was one of the first 18 female students when the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts officially opened its doors to women in 1864. In 1874 she went to Paris to continue her studies at the Académie Julian. During her lifetime, Sidwall received good reviews and became a recognized artist. At the Paris Salon of 1877, two of her paintings were sold to the French state. This self-portrait in a hat with a blue silk bow was painted when she was still a student at the Stockholm Academy.