Flower Power - Dutch Women Painters of the 17th Century

Flower Power - Dutch Women Painters of the 17th Century (2026)



Flower Power - Niederländische Malerinnen im 17. Jahrhundert

6.5 2026 53 min —

Director: Susanne Brand

Cast: Nina West

Documentary History
During the 1600s, breakthroughs in science and the creation of the telescope inspired women painters in the Netherlands to turn a sharp eye on the natural world, weaving reptiles and insects into their artwork. Pioneers like Maria Sibylla Merian, Alida Withoos, and Maria Moninckx pushed forward the fields of botany and zoology through their exquisitely precise illustrations. Though nearly lost to history, their masterpieces now grace the walls of major museums across the globe.

More About This Film

Flower Power - Dutch Women Painters of the 17th Century explores the work of women artists who closely observed the natural world during the Dutch Golden Age. The documentary highlights painters such as Maria Sibylla Merian, Alida Withoos and Maria Moninckx, whose botanical and zoological studies helped turn flowers, insects and other natural subjects into extraordinarily detailed works of art.

Directed by Susanne Brand, the film connects art history with the development of scientific observation, showing how advances in natural science and optical instruments influenced artistic practice. It also considers how the work of these women was later overlooked despite surviving in major museum collections.

  • The documentary was directed by Susanne Brand.
  • It has a runtime of approximately 53 minutes.
  • Nina West provides the narration.
  • The production is associated with BRANDMEDIA FILM and SWR/ARTE.
  • The documentary was released in 2026 and presented through ARTE.

Where to Watch

The documentary was distributed through ARTE, while international availability can change with territorial rights and viewing windows. These services are useful places to check for current access.