Isaac Wigans Explained

Isaac Wigans[1] [2] (Antwerp, 1615  - Antwerp, c. 1663) was a Flemish still life painter active in Antwerp. He is known for his fruit still lifes and banquet-style still lifes. He may also have been active as a copyist or imitator of monochrome banquet still lifes in the style of contemporary Dutch artists in The Hague.[3]

Life

Little is known about the life of the artist. He was born in Antwerp where he was baptized on 11 June 1615.[3] He trained with the Flemish history painter Vincent Malo. He was registered in the guild year 1631-1632 at the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke as a pupil of Malo.[2] He was probably not identical with the Isac Wigans who was registered at the Antwerp Guild as a master in 1651 as the son of an existing member. It is likely that this was a younger member from his family.[4]

The artist was active in Antwerp until his death in the year 1662 or 1663.[3]

Work

Only three signed works by the artist are known.[5] Isaac Wigans was a still life specialist who is known for his fruit still lifes and banquet style-still lifes.[3] He is also believed to have painted monochrome banquet still lifes in the style of contemporary Dutch artists active in The Hague such as Pieter Claesz and Willem Claesz Heda.[4] There is no unanimity among art historians on the attribution of certain works to the artist.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Alternative spellings: Isac Wigans and Isack Wiegans
  2. https://books.google.com/books?id=ADFTAAAAcAAJ Ph. Rombouts and Th. van Lerius, De liggeren en andere historische archieven der Antwerpsche sint Lucasgilde
  3. https://rkd.nl/explore/artists/84266 Isaac Wigans
  4. http://www.kd-art.be/selected-works/isaac-wigans Isaac Wigans, A still life with a silver tazza, a pie, a peeled lemon, a flute glass, a goblet and an earthenware jug on a draped table
  5. http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/isaac-wigans-antwerp-1615-16623-a-pie-and-5796545-details.aspx Isaac Wigans, A pie and a partially peeled lemon on pewter platters, a silver tazza, a silver-gilt cup and cover, a knife, a tankard, a wine glass and a linen cloth on a draped table