Frans Hals

1 works

Frans Hals (c. 1582–1666) was born in Antwerp and spent his whole career in Haarlem, in the Dutch Republic.

He is famous for lively portraits painted with quick, bold brushstrokes, such as The Laughing Cavalier and his large group portraits of Haarlem's civic guards.

His sitters often smile, laugh or raise a glass, which was rare in portraits of his time, as if the painter had just told them a good joke.

The Merry Drinker
Frans Hals, c. 1628–30