Berjon started out as a pattern designer for silk makers in his hometown of Lyon. The artist found use for his botanical knowledge in the 1790s when he specialised in still life painting with driven illusionism and touches of geometric abstraction. This painting includes roses, peonies, lilies and tulips. A fruit basket on the table is full of peaches, pears and grapes. A bumblebee is visible on one of the roses, a key insect for plant reproduction.