Abraham Mignon was born in 1640 into a
Calvinist family in Frankfurt, Germany. At the age of seven he was placed
under the care and artistic tutelage of the still-life painter Jacob
Marrell, who left Frankfurt for Holland in 1664. Marrell took the young
Mignon with him and settled in Utrecht where in 1669, like
De Heem,
they became members of the St.Luke's Guild. Mignon died in Utrecht in
1679.
Mignon's paintings are best known for his
luxuriant compositions of flowers and fruits, in a style marked by precise
detail and drawing. Since his paintings clearly reflect his influence it
seems probable that Mignon may have studied with
De Heem.
The works of both painters are characterized by the use of bright colours,
confident drawing, and increasingly elaborate compositions. Mignon's
paintings were sought by the Elector of Saxony and Louis XIV of France.
