Anne Vallayer-Coster
Painted at the height of Anne Vallayer-Coster’s artistic powers, this still-life painting (one of a pendant pair) belonged to a high-ranking official of the entourage of the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette (yes, that Marie Antoinette!). Together the paintings were exhibited at the Salon of 1777, the year after they were painted. The artist's career was unique for the times; she was one of four women painters who enjoyed the privileges and prestige of membership in the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture during the last quarter of the 18th century. Through the patronage of her earliest champion, the Queen, and the sheer virtuosity of her talent, Vallayer-Coster’s career flourished throughout the 1770s and 80s, but unfortunately faded with the tumult of the French Revolution in 1789—new times needed new art. Celebrated especially for her brilliant depictions of flower arrangements, the artist was considered the successor to Jean-Siméon Chardin as the foremost still-life painter of the French school.
P.S. Explore another masterpiece by Anne Vallayer-Coster - the exquisite Still Life with Mackerel.
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