Nicolas Baudesson

(Troyes 1611–1680 Paris)
A still life with roses, tulips, anemones, sprigs of lilac, viburnums and shrubs,
oil on canvas, 58.5 x 67 cm, framed

Nicolas Baudesson specialised in still life painting in general and flower pieces in particular. He belonged to the first generation of French painters to specifically gain fame in this new genre. His keen interest in indigenous and exotic plants was primarily sparked by editions of botanical volumes, such as those by Carolus Clusius, who published the first extensive studies on tulips and considerably contributed to their dissemination in Holland and, subsequently, all over Europe. This substantially paved the way for flower portrayals to develop into a pictorial genre in its own right, particularly during the first half of the century in Flanders and the Netherlands, and later on in Italy.

Baudesson’s paintings stand out for their handling of light, which was aimed to direct the viewer’s gaze to the elaborately detailed floral arrangements. Due to this love of detail, which can also be observed in the present painting, he became much sought after as a painter. A large number of Baudesson’s flower pieces can be found in Versailles, among other places. During his stays in Paris and Rome he familiarised himself with the work of the still life painter Mario Nuzzi, called Mario dei Fiori, under whose impact his characteristic painting style further developed.