Frans Hals
Portrait of Frans Hals (1648–50), a copy (by one of his followers) of a self-portrait, in the Indianapolis Museum of Art
A baroque master devoted to depicting typical life during the Dutch Golden Age
Frans Hals may not be as famous as his contemporary Rembrandt, but he is a seminal figure in European painting and Dutch history.
This 17th century master from Haarlem painted for both the nobility (lots of portraits) but also for the emerging merchant (middle) class rather than the church.
Therefore, many of his works depict typical life and typical settings of the Dutch Golden Age, the next best thing to a photograph of Dutch Middle Class life 300 years ago.
Selected works by Frans Hals in England
Where to find works by Frans Hals in England
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A 17th century manor house in Hampstead Heath with a fabulous free art collection
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An historic London townhouse filled with 18C antiques and French and Old Master paintings—all for free
