Leyster judith biography

There also have been many experienced women in the field of painting who are still renowned in our time, and who could compete with men. Among them, one excels exceptionally, Judith Leyster, called “the true Leading star in art.”

—Theodore Schrevel, Harlemias, 1648

Four hundred ten years ago on this day, July 28, Judith Leyster (or Leijster) was baptized in Haarlem.

Judith was the eighth child in her family.

Leyster judith biography

She went on to become, as Theodore Schrevel reported, “the true Leading star in art.” The name Leyster, which translates from Dutch as lode star or guide star, is a name the family adopted from the brewery that Judith’s father ran.

The artist signed her paintings with a distinctive design that incorporates her initials with a star.

Judith and the Guild

It isn’t clear whether Judith Leyster or Sara van Baalbergen was the first woman to be accepted into the Haarlem Guild of St.

Luke as a master painter. (Luke the Evangelist is th