Basket of Peaches, with Quinces, and Plums 

Louise Moillon created this oil on canvas still life, Basket of Peaches, with Quinces, and Plums, during the height of her artistic career. Moillon was working in 17th century France at a time when the country was undergoing significant social and political change. As a woman artist, she had to navigate the strictures of a male-dominated art world, mostly excluded from painting historical or religious scenes and so found success in the smaller, more intimate genre of still life. In this painting, Moillon seems to be commenting on the social structures of her time. The abundance of fruit, the meticulous arrangement, and the overall sense of luxury suggest a prosperous society. At the same time, the basket is a reminder of the importance of agriculture and the labor involved in producing food. The fruit itself represents the natural world, which was increasingly being tamed and controlled by humans. Analyzing paintings such as this and considering the context of its creation helps us to reflect on the meaning of art as something that is contingent on social context.