MIGNON, Abraham
(b. 1640, Frankfurt, d. 1679, Utrecht)

Garland of Flowers

c. 1675
Oil on canvas, 103 x 85 cm
Museo de Bellas Artes, Bilbao

Abraham Mignon's garland paintings display a great virtuosity and special technique of interplay of vivid colours, often mixed with the hidden meaning of vanity so typical of the time. While other cartouche paintings show the Virgin and the Child or stay blank in the centre, the present one shows a young female figure wearing an antique-looking dress in golden ochre, a white chemise and a blue cape profusely swinging behind her. The belt and diadem in her hair with precious stones give her the appearance of a mythical, allegorical and/or noble background.