Flowers in a Crystal Vase Standing on a Stone Pedestal, with a Dragonfly

Abraham MIGNON

This is one of two paintings by the artist given to Louis XIV by the marquis de Beringhem (the other one is in room 37), evidence of Mignon's fame at the end of the 17th century. The painting's decorative effects (dark background, flowers spread out, stems with linear effects) are strongly influenced by Jan Davidsz. de Heem (see the latter's paintings in the Louvre), but the rendering of texture is incomparable. The most extraordinary example of this is the crystal vase, with its fascinating reflection of a window.

Flowers in a Crystal Vase Standing on a Stone Pedestal, with a Dragonfly / Abraham MIGNON
© RMN-Grand Palais (Musée du Louvre) / Stéphane Maréchalle
Louvre Pyramid © I.M. Pei