(John Baptist), "one of the greatest masters (according to Mr Walpole) that has appeared for painting flowers. They are not so exquisitely finished as Van Huysum's, but his colouring and composition are in a bolder style." He was born at Lille in 1635; and educated at Antwerp as a painter of history, which he soon changed for flowers. Going to Paris in 1663, he was received into the academy with applause; and employed at Versailles, Trianon, Marly, and Meudon; and painted in the hotel de Bretonvilliers at Paris, and other houses. The duke of Montague brought him to England; where much of his hand is to be seen, at Montague-house, Hampton-court, the duke of St Albans's at Windsor, Kensington, Lord Carlisle's, Burlington-house, &c. But his most curious work is said to be a looking-glass at Kensington palace, which he adorned with flowers for Queen Mary, who held him in such high esteem, that she honoured him with her presence nearly the whole time he was busied in the performance.—Baptist passed and repassed several times between France and England; but having married his daughter to a French painter who was suffered to alter and touch upon his pictures, Baptist was offended and returned to France no more. He died in Pall-mall in 1699.

—His son Antony, called young Baptist, painted in his father's manner, and had merit.