Frans Hals: the most sought-after portraitist of his time. Even today, his paintings fascinate people worldwide. The painter (1580/5-1666) was famous during his lifetime and also portrayed international personalities of rank. He could even afford to ask his clients to come to him in Haarlem for a portrait − usually it was the painter who traveled to the noble or wealthy client. Hals seemed to live lavishly, because despite his high income, he did not manage to avoid money troubles and impoverishment. Some 50 works are on display at the National Gallery in London in The Credit Suisse Exhibition: Frans Hals. They will be on display from September 30, 2023 to January 21, 2024.
Among other things, the house is showing his famous painting The Laughing Cavalier (1624) from the Wallace Collection, which is on loan for an exhibition for the first time in over 120 years. The painting was considered one of his best even during Hals' lifetime for its vivacity and realistic smile. Many painters avoided depicting laughter and smiles as much as possible, as it is one of the most difficult things to do. Frans Hals mastered this skill; it was a reason for his reputation as one of the best European portraitists of all time.
The exhibition travels to the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam in 2024 from February 16 to June 9, and to the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin from July 12 to November 3.
