Att. In Meiffren Conte (marseille, 1630-1705) "still Life With Parrot" 17th Century

French School of the 17th century
Attributed to Meiffren CONTE (Marseille, 1630-1705)
"Still life with parrot"
Oil on canvas
Channel frame Canvas

dimensions: 69 x 97 cm
Frame dimensions: 112 x 88 cm

Meiffren Conte (or Comte also known as Ephren Leconte) from an old Marseille family, trained in Aix in the workshop of his brother-in-law of German origin Rodolphe Ziegler. The latter, settled in the Provençal capital in 1653, participated in the decoration of aristocratic residences. Meiffren also seems to have completed his training in Rome where he would have been lastingly influenced by the painting of Francesco Fievarino. He devoted himself to several pictorial genres (history painting, portrait), but quickly gained recognition for his still lifes. We find him in Paris between 1671 and 1675. He mainly frequented the circle of artists and craftsmen employed at the royal Gobelins factory. There, in contact with the excellence of great French taste, he was able to contemplate all the wonders that would later be found in his work. Back in Marseille, he was appointed master painter of the King's galleys and held this position until 1693. He taught drawing to officers and decorated the parade rooms of the ships. During his stay in Paris, Meiffren Conte was able to admire the pieces of silver and goldsmith furniture made for Louis XIV. It should also be remembered that these models were disseminated to the provinces by drawing and engraving. "But his fantasy led him to multiply the composite assemblages of necks, bellies and feet made from objects that had actually existed" (Thierry Bajou).