by Caroline Legrand
Attributed to Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer (1636–1699), Still Life with Flowers and Putti, a Park Featuring Architectural Elements in the Background, oil on canvas, 171.8 x 122.5 cm/67.64 x 48.22 in. Estimate: €6,000/8,000
Paintings of flowers became all the rage in Northern Europe in the 16th century, but the trend did not reach France until later. Starting with Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer , some artists raised the genre to the rank of a noble art form in the 17th century, when Baroque paintings had to reflect the splendor of the Sun King’s court. Read more!