Louise Moillon: Painting Analysis

One of the most important things to consider when analyzing a painting by an unknown artist is the combination of visual characteristics and how that plays into the artist’s sociopolitical message that is imbedded within the work. Initially, the viewer notices the texture of the deep attention to color and texture specifically of the fruit and clothing of the women displayed. The ruffles in the outfits worn by the two subjects of the painting are very realistic, which shows mastery of this type of artistic aspect. The detailed basket patterns and fruit are also notable when considering the characteristics of the artist. Content in this painting is visually simple, but has contextual importance when analyzing further. The two women seem to be in an exchange type of environment that you would normally find at a market of some type. The large basket on the back of the older women accompanied by her scowl leads the viewer to …show more content…
As discussed in an earlier post, this was a time when female artists catered to public demand and painted many still pictures of fruit. Although many pieces of fruit appear I this picture, it is not enough to simply off of that to make this conclusion. As mentioned in our lecture for lesson 5, Moillon did not completely subject herself to still life paintings. She also portrayed situations where women would interact in a social and/or financial environment in Paris. Needless to say this painting shows two women in the middle of an economic exchange. The older woman appears to be purchasing fruit from the younger women behind the counter, which would qualify for one of the situation commonly depicted by Moillon. This portrait in question is extremely similar in situation to Moillon’s The Fruit and Vegetable Seller, with both showing an economic exchange between two