Women with Antlers: Unique Art with Love from Rome

In the heart of the ancient city of Rome, something special is happening. In a modest apartment, Dutch artist Ingrid van Woudenberg captures a unique perspective on the powerful dynamic between women and animals. It is a story about vulnerability and strength, but also about myth and spiritual animals. This is her story.

"Emma with Antlers"

There is something about Ingrid’s paintings. That is what most people say when they see them for the first time. It lies in the colours, the powerful, bold yet simple brushstrokes, the subject matter, and other elements that operate on a subconscious level—as is often the case with art.

Yet one thing stands out about the vast majority of her work. Many of Ingrid’s paintings are instantly recognisable by their powerful depictions of individual women, each accompanied by what ancient Australian Aboriginal or Native American cultures would call a 'spirit animal'. Some women even have their own antlers as a symbol of strength. Because each of these paintings tells a story of women, strength, kindness, tenacity, nurturing, humour, and resilience: and all of it in one.

She-Wolf

Ingrid's Art Studio 56 is tucked away in a spot known for its vibrant, bohemian atmosphere, in the artistic district of San Lorenzo, and is close to the Basilica di San Lorenzo fuori le Mura—one of Rome's seven pilgrimage churches. From this lively backdrop, Ingrid is establishing her presence in a city that is, naturally, famous for its fascinating history.

And, much like the very Roman symbol of the She-Wolf from Rome’s founding myth—where the wolf symbolises the ancient city and represents female power and duality, indicating that nothing is entirely good or evil—Ingrid's distinctive art portrays women who are neither solely weak nor strong, good nor bad, powerful nor vulnerable: they embody all these qualities.

"Messy Girl with Cat" (Saatchi)

Women in Rome

But, Ingrid's 'silent womens army' also tells another story. Because throughout the ages, from ancient Rome to modern-day Italy, another reality has persisted in the ancient city: women in Rome — as in the rest of the world but in notably high numbers here — have been victims of domestic violence at the hands of men. More recent incidents in and around Rome, including the tragic murders of university students, have ignited protests and widespread public outrage.

"I've been living in Rome for quite a few years now," Ingrid tells Perspective Living. "Hearing these local news stories about young women whose lives were tragically cut short by men deeply resonated with me. It connected with my own struggles with confidence as a woman, and those feelings continued to intensify."

"Ultimately," Ingrid continues, "the only way I could move forward was by channelling those emotions into painting. The use of deer antlers perfectly captured that emotion. They are, after all, a universal symbol of strength, embodying power and protection, particularly due to their role in combat and defense."

"Hearing these local news stories about young women whose lives were tragically cut short by men deeply resonated with me. It connected with my own struggles with confidence as a woman, and those feelings continued to intensify."

Unique Art

Ingrid’s artwork has been exhibited at Galerie Agnes Nord in Paris (France), Galerie Thompson in Zug (Switzerland), and Galerie Casa della Art in Palma (Mallorca). Some of her recent works were also displayed at Rome's esteemed Museo Civico di Zoologia. Another recent display includes the Dantebus Margutta Gallery on the renowned Via Margutta, a well-known meeting place for creative figures like Fellini and Picasso.

But, perhaps very much in a way that befits a woman, she adds: "My art may be exhibited in renowned galleries in Rome and beyond, with a unique theme – no landscapes here; only women with antlers – but I still sometimes feel like I don't quite fit in, or that my work doesn't meet the standards."

"What keeps me going, though," she continues, "is reminding myself of the message: to support women in general. I hope my paintings send a message to women everywhere: you are strong, whether you believe it or not."

Strong and Unyielding

Moving forward, Ingrid remains highly productive in her studio, and collectively, Ingrid's unique perspective of women and their spiritual animals form a broader narrative, wherever they may end up: They all form part of a quiet, caring, powerful, and feminine army of women who—supported by their (spiritual) animal companions—stand strong and unyielding in the world, come what may.

"Beautiful images are powerful — but they must carry meaning," Ingrid told the Dantebus Margutta Gallery in an interview for the Dantebus Contest, which featured over 60,000 artworks including hers in 2025, and she added, "I consider it my responsibility to awaken people. Art, for me, is the most honest form of expression."

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Ingrid and her muse, Texel

Ingrid van Woudenberg

Ingrid van Woudenberg, a self-taught painter, specialises in portraits of women, animals, and the human form. Her work combines beauty, sensitivity, and a social message, addressing contemporary issues. Ingrid captures her subjects' essence, provoking thought and emotion. Her use of animals symbolises women's strength beyond intuition and nurturing. She portrays women's vulnerability, strength, humour, and uniqueness in a compelling narrative. Find her on Instagram  | Facebook