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Louise Moillon
(1610-1696)
Basket with
Peaches and Grapes
Louise Moillon,
also sometimes known as Louyse Moillon, was a French
still-life painter. In an era where men dominated the
art world, Moillon was considered to be one of the
finest artists of the 17th century. Primarily a
still-life, Baroque painter, her depiction of even a
simple bowl of cherries is outstanding in its realistic
beauty.
Still Life with Cherries, Strawberries
and Gooseberries, 1930
Born in Paris, Moillon
was the daughter of painter Nicolas Moillon. Her father
died when she was only ten, so instead of training under
her father, Moillon received her initial artistic
training under her step-father, François
Garnier. Moillon showed interest in the arts even as a
young girl, and always showed a propensity for drawing
and painting.
Cup of Cherries and a Melon
Moillon was
well-received, even as a young artist, and sold her
first painting at the age of 19. She is remembered today
for her quiet style, which represents the finest that
France had to offer in her time. Her compositions were
executed with exquisite attention to detail, and indeed
have a calm and quiet presence. Though Moillon preferred
to paint still-life compositions, in particular of fruit
in beautiful Chinese bowls, from time to time, she would
also incorporate people into her paintings, still with
the same quiet hand.
The Fruit and the Vegetable Seller
During her career,
Moillon was often commissioned by French nobility to
render paintings. In particular, some of her more famous
patrons were King Charles I of England, as well as many
French nobles. Most of Moillon's work was created prior
to her marriage in the 1640s, typically through the
1630s and earlier.
Still Life with Fruits
Today Moillon's
paintings are housed in public collections world wide,
in England, the United States, Germany, Spain and of
course, France. Moillon's paintings are also highly
coveted in private collections as well, and it is
rumored that Queen Elizabeth II herself owns at least
four of Moillon's paintings. Still wondering about a
17th century still-life painting hanging in your home?
Contact us...it could be by Louise Moillon.
