On 21 and 22 May 2026 the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent is organizing a symposium, in collaboration with the University of Antwerp (ARCHES) and in conjunction with the exhibition Unforgettable: Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600–1750.
The symposium will focus on the significant yet overlooked contributions of women artists in the Low Countries. These women worked in a variety of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, tapestry and paper-cutting. The symposium will examine their artistic presence and careers as artists and art dealers from various angles. Their networks and social positions will also be discussed.
Researchers, museum professionals and art market experts will share their insights on five themes: identity, choices, networks, legacy and technique. In addition to the lectures, the program offers a guided tour of the exhibition Unforgettable and ample opportunity for networking, exchange, and discussion.
Confirmed speakers and chairs
Nadine Akkerman (Leiden University), Klara Alen (Rubenshuis), Rudy Jos Beerens (RKD–Netherlands Institute for Art History), Astrid Centner (Christie’s Belgium), Nouchka de Keyser (Rijksmuseum), Kirsten Derks (University of Antwerp), Katrin Dyballa (independent researcher), Peter Hancox (University of Birmingham), Erma Hermens (Hamilton Kerr Institute), Frima Fox Hofrichter (Pratt Institute), Romy Kerkhof (independent researcher), Anna Lawrence (University of Amsterdam), Martha Moffit Peacock (Brigham Young University), Sarah Joan Moran (independent researcher), Judith Noorman (University of Amsterdam), Catherine Powell-Warren (KU Leuven), Elizabeth Rice Mattison (Hood Museum of Art Dartmouth), Lieke van Deinsen (KU Leuven), Donna van Son (University of Antwerp), Frederica Van Dam (Museum of Fine Arts Ghent), Katlijne Van der Stighelen (KU Leuven), Annelies Verellen (McGill University), Bert Watteeuw (Rubenshuis) & Marjorie E. Wieseman.
Registration
For full program details and ticket booking (deadline: 15 May 2026), please visit the MSK website.