Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer (1636-1699) - Flower Study - FA000154 - Brighton Museum ^ Art Gallery

Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer was a French painter who specialised in still lifes and flowers. He was born in Lille, France in 1636 and moved to Paris to study art under Jacques Blanchard. Monnoyer quickly gained recognition for his talent and was appointed official painter to the court of Louis XIV in 1660. Monnoyer's work was highly sought after by the rich and powerful and he received numerous commissions from royalty and aristocrats. His paintings were characterised by vibrant colours, intricate detail and realistic depictions of flowers, fruit and other objects. In addition to his still life paintings, Monnoyer also created murals and decorations for some of the most prestigious buildings in France, including the Palace of Versailles and the Tuileries Palace. He was also a member of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, which further cemented his reputation as one of the leading artists of his time. Monnoyer continued to paint until his death in 1699, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful and timeless works of art. Today, his paintings can be found in museums and private collections around the world.