Madrid's Prado Museum and Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum have established a new alliance aimed at restoring the legacy of women in art history. By combining their resources, the two prominent European institutions plan to re-examine the shared historical ties between Spain and the Netherlands, bringing female artists, patrons, and key historical figures to the forefront of their galleries.
The centerpiece of this collaboration is a new international postdoctoral research fellowship set to launch in September 2027. The selection process for the program will begin with a call for applications in October 2026. The chosen researcher will delve into the collections of both museums to investigate the roles of women during the Habsburg era. The findings of this research will contribute to upcoming museum projects and culminate in a major exhibition hosted by the Rijksmuseum in 2029.
This joint venture strengthens pathways both museums have already been pursuing independently. The Prado has been running its "El Prado en Femenino" initiative, which has spotlighted prominent historical painters such as Clara Peeters and Sofonisba Anguissola. As part of this ongoing effort, the Madrid museum is preparing an exhibition dedicated to Mariana of Austria, scheduled for this autumn.
Meanwhile, the Rijksmuseum has been operating its "Women of the Rijksmuseum" project since 2021. This initiative has analyzed hundreds of artworks and integrated pieces by previously overlooked figures, including Gesina ter Borch, Maria van Oosterwijck, and Marlow Moss, into its catalog. Through their new partnership, both institutions aim to ensure these historical contributions receive permanent recognition.
