Frans Hals, who is considered an idol for the artists of Realism and Impressionism of 19th century because of his powerful colors and his naturalistic character studies, was an important Dutch portrait painter of the 17th century.
Born between 1580 and 1585 in Antwerp.
Died on September 01, 1666 in Haarlem.
His early work being influenced by his Mannerist teacher Karel van Mander, Frans Hals was known for his representative group portraits and he crucially contributed to the development of Dutch art with his work. Over the years, influenced by both, the Mannerists and the Utrecht Caravaggists, his portrayed models, which, at the beginning, had been painted in rigid, feudal poses, gained more and more individuality and character. Frans Hals painted both members of the guilds of the respected citizens and the members of the lower strata of society. The utmost naturalistic portraits of the latter group already partly show clear genre-like characteristics, in addition to their very unique presentation. The feudal way of portrait, which was then rather representative, was changed by Frans Hals into a naturalistic and individualistic character study. |
 |
|
Oil Paintings