THE LAUGHING CAVALIER​

​

This painting was a huge challenge for me but I was determined to give it a try. I am fascinated by the elaborate attire worn in the centuries gone by especially by the men as with 'The Laughing Cavalier'. I think I made a good attempt at this painting which put a smile on my face, even a little laughter. I did it!

​

by FRANS HALS  1582-1666

​

Frans Hals was born in Antwerp, although his family settled in Haarlem in the Netherlands. The first documented reference to Hals occurs in 1610 becoming a member of the Haarlem Guild of St. Luke. The 1630s were Hal’s most successful years. By then he was in constant demand both for single portraits and family groups. He was commissioned to paint 3 large militia pieces. Hals success continued until the end of his life but most of his life he lived in poverty. His most recognisable portraits are “The Laughing Cavalier” 1624 and the “Boy with a Flute” 1623.