Delve into the vibrant world of Frans Hals, a defining artist of the 17th century, in a long-awaited retrospective at the Rijksmuseum from February 16, 2024. Known for his extraordinary productivity, innovation, and a touch of rugged charm, Hals was not just a painter; he was the founder of a distinct, freewheeling painting style that would come to shape an entire era.
This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to witness around fifty key works carefully selected from Hals' extensive oeuvre. From iconic pieces like The Merry Drinker and Portrait of a Couple from the Rijksmuseum's collection to exclusive loans like The Laughing Cavalier from the Wallace Collection in London, the showcase promises an immersive experience.
Noteworthy loans include Catharina Hooft with her Nurse and Malle Babbe from Gemäldegalerie, Berlin, Family Group in a Landscape from Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid, and Fruit and Vegetable Seller from a private collection in Bridgenorth. An exciting first is the display of the group portrait, The Banquet of the Officers of the St George Civic Guard from 1616, from the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem, marking its debut outside the city.
This retrospective celebrates not only Hals' enduring legacy but also the diversity and impact of his art on the 17th-century artistic landscape. Join us on this visual journey, where innovation meets tradition and where the timeless allure of Hals' work comes to life.
Photo Credits: Frans Hals, The Lute Player, ca. 1623. Musée du Louvre.