Willem Gabron

Willem Gabron or Guiliam Gabron (1619, Antwerp – 2 August 1678, Antwerp), was a Flemish Baroque still life painter, who worked in a wide range of genres including fruit pieces, vanitas still lifes, flower still lifes, game pieces and breakfast pieces. He initially worked in a monochrome style but developed a more colourful palette after a long stay in Italy.

Life Willem Gabron was born in Antwerp where he was baptised on op 28 October 1619. His family had an artistic pedigree. His grandfather Jan Gabron was an art dealer and auctioneer. His father, also called Willem, was a frame and panel maker who had registered as a master at the Antwerp Guild of St. Luke in 1610 and was also active as a decorative painter. Willem Gabron's mother was Magdalena Cossiers, the sister of the history painter Jan Cossiers.

It is not clear with whom he studied but it is likely his father was his teacher. He was already active from 1634. Gabron was also a gifted animalier and often included living animals in his still life scenes.

The work of Daniel Seghers was also an important inspiration for Gabron. Daniel Seghers was one of the earliest practitioners of the genre of garland paintings. These paintings typically show a flower garland around a devotional image or portrait. Gabron's Adoration of the Holy Sacrament (At Tajan on 16 December 2014, lot 4) is an allegory of the holy communion represented by two flower garlands surrounding the Host and wine over which hover two putti. The work expands on Seghers' earlier garland paintings.