(John), Monnoyer, a painter of flowers and fruit, was born at Lisle in 1635, and educated at Antwerp, where he perfected himself in the knowledge of his art, and in his first years was intended for a painter of history: but having soon observed that his genius more strongly inclined him to the painting of flowers, he applied his talents to those subjects, and in that style became one of the greatest masters. His pictures are not so exquisitely finished as those of Van Huysum, but his composition and colouring are in a bolder style. His flowers have generally a remarkable freedom and loofeness, as well in the disposition as in pencilling; together with a tone of colouring that is lively, admirable, and nature itself. The disposition of his objects is surprisingly elegant and beautiful; and in that respect his compositions are easily known, and as easily distinguished from the performances of others. He died in 1699.—He left a son, Anthony, who painted flowers in the same style and manner, and had great merit.