Portrait of a Lady

Frans Hals (Dutch, 1582–1666) · 1627

Frans Hals, one of the most celebrated portrait painters of the 17th century, demonstrated here his signature verve in inscribing decoration on black satin and capturing the freshness of his subject’s skin. Adopting the portrait conventions established by such specialists as Paulus Moreelse, Hals enlivened this sitter through the application of loose brushstrokes to create highlights on her lace cap and brocaded bodice. The plain background, which bears the date of the painting and the age of the sitter, focuses attention on the 33-year-old woman’s face and fine attire.

Artist

Frans Hals (Dutch, 1582–1666)

Date

1627

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

86.5 × 70.7 cm (34 1/4 × 27 13/16 in.); Framed: 107 × 91.4 × 6.4 cm (42 1/8 × 36 × 2 1/2 in.)

Credit

Max and Leola Epstein Collection

Open-access artwork courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago. Mooseium is not affiliated with or endorsed by this institution.