Antoine Monnoyer, Il Giovane, Still Lifes of Flowers, 1720, Oil on Canvases, Set of 2

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Antoine monnoyer the younger (paris 1671 - paris saint-germain-en-laye 1747) attributed

pair of floral still lifes

early 18th century

oil … Read more Antoine monnoyer the younger (paris 1671 - paris saint-germain-en-laye 1747) attributed

pair of floral still lifes

early 18th century

oil on canvas (52 x 65 cm - with carved and gilded wooden frames. 66 x 79 cm)

full details of the pair of paintings (click here)

this splendid pair of paintings depicts a companion still life with floral compositions: both canvases feature rich bouquets of colorful flowers (including roses, carnations, daffodils, tulips, and anemones), in iridescent hues and elegantly juxtaposed.

the flowers, arranged with studied asymmetry, are nestled in an open-air setting and almost seem to overflow from the natural rock elements, typical of baroque garden settings. The canvases are characterized by a dark, almost uniform background, which serves to bring out the brilliance and chromatic vivacity of the petals with absolute preeminence, a refined technique that lends a strong three-dimensionality.

from an attribution standpoint, it is easy to identify the elements and stylistic canons typical of the floral compositions of the monnoyer family, undisputed masters of franco-flemish still life painting between the 17th and 18th centuries. The family's work is led by the celebrated jean-baptiste and his son antoine monnoyer, whose pictorial style is distinguished by precisely this type of sumptuous, dense, and highly decorative composition.

looking more closely at the works, we are inclined to attribute them specifically to antoine monnoyer (paris 1671 - paris saint-germain-en-laye 1747), recognizable by the elegant structure of the composition combined with the characteristic freshness and brilliance of the colors.

after likely training in london at his father, jean baptiste,'s studio, antoine moved to paris, a city that would become a major hub for his artistic career, quickly establishing himself in the prestigious artistic circles of the french capital. At the height of his success, he left france for a study trip to rome, before embarking on a career that would span several european courts, from sweden, where he decorated the royal palace in stockholm, to extended stays in england, especially london, where the family enjoyed the patronage of important patrons and royalty.

the paintings of the french artist—nicknamed "young baptist" for perpetuating and evolving his father's great pictorial tradition—are imbued with a soft sensuality, created by the sinuous movement of the flowers, linked together in a sort of melody that unites them within a broader, baroque context. Finally, the contrasting color palette, especially between the intense red and blue, is beautiful, lending the composition a masterful, final lyrical touch.

the paintings are in excellent condition and are enhanced by beautiful antique carved and gilded wooden frames. Their geometric motifs and acanthus leaf details at the corners enhance their scenographic character, evoking their original purpose in the salons of the 18th-century aristocracy.

additional information:

the artwork sold comes with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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