Margareta Haverman

Margareta Haverman was a Dutch painter who flourished in the early 18th century, active by 1716 and known to have died in or after 1722. Little is known about her life, but she was one of the few women of her time to achieve recognition for her work in floral still-life painting. Haverman is believed to have studied under Jan van Huysum, a prominent still-life artist known for his detailed and elaborate floral compositions. This association is evident in her meticulous approach to painting and the complex, layered arrangements in her works.

Haverman gained significant attention when her A Vase of Flowers was admitted to the collection of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in Paris, a notable accomplishment for a female artist. Despite her talent, historical records on Haverman remain scarce, and only two paintings attributed to her are known to survive, underscoring both her unique status and the challenges faced by women artists in securing lasting recognition during that era. Haverman’s A Vase of Flowers remains an important piece, showcasing the intersection of artistry, scientific curiosity, and the representation of nature that was characteristic of the Dutch still-life tradition.