Abraham Mignon

It's the birthday of Abraham Mignon who was born on this day in 1640.

Mignon was a Dutch Golden age painter and he created vibrant paintings of fruit, birds, and his specialty: flowers.
When Mignon was just nine years old, he was placed under the care of Jacob Merrill - a still-life painter and art dealer.

Mignon became his apprentice and Merrill was impressed with Mignon; he asked him to instruct his stepdaughter Maria Sabella Marián.

Maria went on to become, arguably, the best botanical illustrator of all-time.
Mignon died before his 40th birthday.