A Basket of Flowers

In this decorative still life, Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer gives a precise rendering of the texture of individual blossoms and leaves, presented in a basket barely discernible on a stone console. The lavish abundance of plants and opened pomegranates is further enhanced by the strong colouration and the floral pattern in the background. The artist was considered the principal representative of baroque French floral still life. Trained in Antwerp, he was influenced by Jan Davidsz. de Heem and Jan van Huysum. His patron was Charles Le Brun, director of the Gobelin Manufactory and rector of the Académie Royale. Monnoyer specialised in palace decoration, and furnished entire rooms.

HABERSATTER Thomas: Monnoyer Jean Baptiste, A Basket of Flowers, object description for the exhibition "Masterworks. Residenzgalerie Salzburg" (23.2.-3.7.2022)