Frans Hals (1580?-1666) was a famous Dutch painter. He studied at Haarlem under the best masters of the day, and soon became remarkable for bis fine draughtsmanship. His most celebrated pictures are portraits, many of which are of groups; his ability thus to handle many figures is almost unique. There are two marked periods in his work; his earlier pictures are chiefly remarkable for their good technique, while his later work shows even an added dexterity of touch, coupled with unusually fine effects of light and shade.
Like most artists of the time he led a rough life, and his wife and children had a sorry time of it. Because of his Bohemian life, Hals' pictures treat of every sort of men and women. Among his best group paintings are
A Banquet of Officers and
The Regents and Regenteases of Oudemannenhuis at Haarlem.
The Cavalier, The Toper,
The Likenesses of an Old Man and Woman,
The Flute Player, and the
Hille Bobbe of the Berlin Museum are celebrated portraits.
