Anonymous sale ("The Property of a Lady"), London, Christie's, 26 November 1971, lot 21 (as by Rachel Ruysch and signed);
With Richard Green, London, 1972;
With Alexander Gallery, London;
From whom purchased by the present collector, circa 1979. 

E. Coatalem, La nature morte française au XVIIe siècle, Dijon 2014, p. 81, reproduced.

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This work may not have been recently restored, but it looks well nonetheless. If the varnish were freshened, it could be hung in its current state. The lining is good and the surface is well supported. Old yellowed varnish would be removed if the work were cleaned, which would add diversity to the colors in the picture. Cleaning would also remove a few retouches in the background on the right side and between the two red flowers in the upper left. The condition of the floral arrangement itself and most of the remainder of the work is particularly good.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Although Bernard was successful in his time as a portrait painter, miniaturist, and print-maker, he is best known today for his still lifes, which often reflect the influence of northern artists.  The present work, for example, is similar in style and format to works by Jean-Michel Picart, a Flemish artist who also lived and worked in Paris.¹

The present work also relates to other still lifes by Bernard, including one formerly with P. de Boer which is signed and dated 1663, as well as one sold in these Rooms 28 January 1999, lot 283.² 

1. See the painting by Picart sold in these roomsﷺ, 30 January 1998, lot 50. 𒅌;

2. For the painting formerly with P. de Boer, see M. Faré, Le Grand Siècle de la Nature Morte en France, Le XVIIe Siècle, Fribo🔴urg 1974, pp. 258-259, reproduced p. 258.