Frans Hals was well known for his incredible portraiture skills, and the ability to paint subjects so true to life using a free brushstroke style similar to that of Impressionistic artist. You can see he wanted the paint to be seen thru a bold fluid style.
Viewing Hals painting one can see he studied people from all backgrounds; wealthy, poor, musicians, market women or children as they truly were while working, drinking, laughing or playing. You feel as if you know these people. The subjects were captured in their everyday surrounding, which seems so, true to life you would think the painting was a 17th century snapshot. I focused on the details in each of the paintings to learn more about the people being presented.
Fruit and Vegetable Seller
Frans Hals [1582/84-1666], Claes van Heussen [1598-1635], oil on canvas, 1630
The majority of 17th century workers in the marketplace were women, and this young market seller is casting a side glance at the viewer, along with weighing some fruit. Hals suggested her movement in swift brushstrokes; notice her outstretched hand. Look at the soft haze on the grapes and plums, and the fuzz on the skin of the quinces.
Banquet of the Officers of the St George Civic Guard
Oil on canvas, c 1627
Civic guard banquets were known to have copious amounts of food and drink, and the gentleman with the upturned glass looks out of the canvas, signaling that he is ready for a refill.
Portrait of Catharina Brugman
Oil on canvas, 1634
This young lady is Catharina Brugman who is twenty years old and comes from a prosperous textile family. She is engaged to Tieleman Roosterman who also is from a textile family. The glove in her hand symbolizes an engagement or marriage, and the lace on her sleeves and around her neck indicate wealth.
The Frans Hals exhibit will be on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam until June 9th,
Stay stylish,
Kathleen
Stylish Heath 