Curatorial Narrative Anne Vallayer-Coster’s Bouquet of Flowers in a Terracotta Vase with Peaches and Grapes (1776) exemplifies the classical still life tradition, marrying technical proficiency with a deep understanding of atmospheric weight. The artist’s brushwork is characterized by fine, delicate strokes that imbue the composition with an air of refinement and precision. As one considers the rich earth tones that dominate the palette tempered by accents of white from the flowers and red from their ripe peaches and grapes it becomes evident that Vallayer-Coster was attuned to the emerging trends in French Rococo, yet her work also betrays a keen appreciation for the classical heritage she sought to augment. When enlarged to 44×47 inches, the chromatic structure of this painting assumes a commanding presence within a luxury interior environment. The spatial rhythm established by Vallayer-Coster’s careful arrangement of peaches,