Catharina van Hemessen was a Flemish Renaissance painter, recognized as one of the earliest female artists to achieve prominence in Northern Europe. Born in Antwerp, she received her artistic training from her father, Jan van Hemessen, a respected painter of the time. Catharina gained renown for her portrait paintings and religious works, displaying a remarkable attention to detail and a keen understanding of light and shadow.

Self-Portrait at the Easel

In 1551, she created her most famous work, "Self-Portrait at the Easel," which is considered one of the earliest self-portraits by a female artist. Van Hemessen's career was a testament to her talent and determination, defying the societal norms that limited women's participation in the arts during the Renaissance. Today, her contributions to art history continue to be celebrated, highlighting her pioneering role in challenging gender barriers in the Renaissance art world.