London, The National Gallery presents Frans Hals

The master of the painted smile

Frans Hals was the most accomplished and also the most expressive portraitist of the Golden Age in the Netherlands. With about 50 paintings, the National Gallery in London presents his largest exhibition in more than 30 years. On September 30, the house opens the show.

September 30, 2023

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.Art.Salon

Recent auction results of Frans Hals

Frans Hals - Portrait of a gentleman, aged 37; and Portrait of a lady, aged 36
Auction
Important Old Master Paintings from The Eric Albada Jelgersma Collection: Evening sale
December 2018
Christies, London
Est.: 8.000.000 - 12.000.000 GBP
Realised: 10.021.250 GBP
Details
Frans Hals - Portrait Of A Man, Half-Length, Wearing A Black Cape With A White Collar
Auction
Master Paintings Evening Sale
February 2018
Sothebys, New York
Est.: 300.000 - 500.000 USD
Realised: 375.000 USD
Details
Frans Hals - Two Fisherboys
Auction
Old Masters Evening Sale
July 2017
Christies, London
Est.: 1.000.000 - 1.500.000 GBP
Realised: 1.145.000 GBP
Details
Frans Hals - Portrait Of A Gentleman, Half-Length In Black With Lace Collar And Cuffs, And Wearing A Broad-Brimmed Black Hat
Auction
Old Master & British Paintings Evening Sale
December 2013
Sothebys, London
Est.: 2.000.000 - 3.000.000 GBP
Realised: 2.994.500 GBP
Details
Frans Hals - Portrait Of A Gentleman, Probably The Reverend John Livingston
Auction
Important Old Master Paintings and Sculpture
February 2013
Sothebys, New York
Est.: 300.000 - 500.000 USD
Realised: 338.500 USD
Details
Frans Hals - Portrait Of An Old Woman
Auction
Old Master Paintings Part I
January 2013
Christies, New York
Est.: 100.000 - 150.000 USD
Realised: 98.500 USD
Details
Frans Hals - Portrait of a gentleman, half-length, in a black coat
Auction
Old Master Paintings Part I
January 2012
Christies, New York
Est.: 700.000 - 1.000.000 USD
Realised: 2.098.500 USD
Details
Frans Hals - A Tronie Study Of The Head And Right Hand Of A Boy
Auction
Old Master and British Paintings Evening Sale
December 2011
Sothebys, London
Est.: 250.000 - 350.000 GBP
Realised: 241.250 GBP
Details
Frans Hals - The violinist
Auction
Old Master & 19th Century Paintings, Drawings & WatercoloursEvening
July 2010
Christies, London
Est.: 200.000 - 300.000 GBP
Realised: 313.250 GBP
Details

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