Lot 1062 D α

Louise Moillon is considered to be one of the most gifted female painters in 17th century France. She grew up in the parish of Saint-Germain-de-Prés in Paris as the daughter of the Protestant artist Nicolas Moillon. However, her works derive less inspiration from those of her father, who passed away when she was ten years old, and more from those of her stepfather François Garnier, who was also associated with Protestantism. She was also strongly inspired by the many Flemish artists who had fled from religious persecution and settled in this quarter of Paris.
The career of this talented painter ended upon the year of her marriage in 1641. Thus, her entire artistic oeuvre derives from just 15 productive years. Her signed works are highly sought-after collector's pieces today, but her life was unsettled and fraught with religious conflict, bringing with it persecution, flight, and exile.
Fabrice Faré has confirmed the present work to be an authentic Louis Moillon. For comparable paintings, see: Michel Faré, La Nature Morte en France, vol. II, 1962, p. 32-65.