Basket with Peaches and Grapes 1631

Louise Moillon painted Basket with Peaches and Grapes on canvas sometime in the early 17th century. Moillon was working in a Paris still life tradition, one that placed emphasis on the sensual qualities of food. In a society still recovering from religious war, the bourgeoisie began to seek out images of harmony and abundance. The rise of secular art meant that artists like Moillon had more opportunities for patronage than ever before. It is interesting to note the institutional significance of the still life: it was considered a lower genre, and therefore more open to women artists who were traditionally excluded from history painting. As art historians, we can look to the archives to find out how the market for still lifes developed, who purchased them, and how they were displayed. Understanding the social conditions that shaped artistic production can help us appreciate the significance of this seemingly simple painting.