Nicolas Baudesson (Troyes circa 1611-1680 Paris) - Carnations, jasmine, peonies, lilac, harebells in a glass vase on a table-top

oil on canvas. 53.8 x 44.7cm (21 3/16 x 17 5/8in). Estimate: £7,000 - 10,000, €8,900 - 13,000

Note: Baudesson's habit of not signing his works, coupled with his subsequent confusion with such contemporaries as Monnoyer, Fontenay, Arellano, Nuzzi and his own son, François, have since the eighteenth century left many of his paintings unrecognised which in turn has obscured his once high stature. His prestige in Paris on his return in 1666 from a long sojourn in Italy was unrivalled, André Félibien writing shortly after that 'la père Zegre [Daniel Seghers], Mario de Fiori [Nuzzi], Baudesson will always have a reputation for flowers.'

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Bonhams. Old Master Paintings, 9 Jul 2008. New Bond Street