She was the daughter of Jan van Hemessen, a painter in Antwerp. In 1556 she was apparently in Spain with Mary of Hungary. Most of the signed pictures are small female portraits.
Catharina van Hemessen
1527/8 - after 1566?
Paintings by Catharina van Hemessen
The Latin inscription in the top right corner names the painter: CATHARINA. FILIA /IOHANNIS DE HEMES/SEN PINGEBAT. 1552. (‘Catharina, daughter of Johannes de Hemessen was painting [this]. 1552.’). Catharina van Hemessen is the first woman artist from Flanders for whom we have a confirmed body of...
Not on display
Catharina van Hemessen is the earliest Flemish woman artist for whom verifiable work survives. She signed this portrait in Latin in the top right corner. We do not know who the sitter was, but she was evidently wealthy. Her fine shirt, visible at her neck and wrists, is ornated with delicate blac...
Not on display