Frans Hals

Frans Hals was a revolutionary Dutch artist who was one of the most sought-after painters of his generation. This book offers a fresh scholarly appraisal of his oeuvre, including his militia paintings, family portraits, and depictions of laughter. It also provides an overview of his life and examines his extraordinarily virtuoso technique. The authors place Hals and his work firmly in the context of his time, employing new previously unpublished archival research and technical findings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2023
Publisher: National Gallery Company Ltd

Frans Hals, a remarkable Dutch artist, emerges as a true revolutionary in the realm of portraiture, commanding immense popularity and recognition during his generation. This captivating and meticulously illustrated book presents a fresh and scholarly exploration of Hals' artistic journey, spanning over three decades since the last substantial exhibition dedicated to his work. Essays delve into various facets of Hals' oeuvre, encompassing his captivating militia paintings, his awe-inspiring family portraits, and his exceptional ability to capture the essence of laughter on canvas, a feat achieved by few artists throughout the history of Western painting. The texts also offer a comprehensive account of Hals' life, shedding light on his artistic techniques and the remarkable speed at which he executed his paintings, directly onto the canvas.

In their endeavor to contextualize Hals and his work within his historical context, the authors have conducted extensive archival research and uncovered new technical findings. For the first time, a comprehensive overview is provided of all the apprentices who apprenticed under Hals, shedding light on the broader artistic community he influenced. Additionally, this book delves into previously unexplored themes, such as the design for portrait prints and the humor inherent in Hals' works, offering a fresh perspective on his artistic genius.

Published by National Gallery Global and distributed by Yale University Press, this remarkable publication is accompanied by an exhibition schedule that will showcase Hals' masterpieces at prestigious venues. The National Gallery in London will host the exhibition from September 30, 2023, to January 21, 2024, followed by a stint at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam from February 15 to June 9, 2024.

Frans Hals, a true luminary in the world of art, continues to captivate and inspire with his extraordinary talent and profound contribution to portraiture. Through this captivating book, readers are granted a deeper understanding of his life, work, and the enduring impact he has had on the art world. Prepare to be transported into the world of Frans Hals and experience the magic of his paintings like never before.

Dimension: 289 x 229 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781857097122