From the artist's life
His famous Laughing Cavalier isn't actually laughing — but his confident smirk made it one of the most charismatic portraits ever painted.
Source: Wikipedia / WikimediaDutch Golden Age
Frans Hals
Frans Hals (c. 1582–1666) was a master of the Dutch Golden Age, who brought unprecedented life and spontaneity to portraiture. His loose, lightning brushwork seems to catch his sitters mid-laugh.
Hals's free brushwork was rediscovered in the 19th century and admired by Manet and the Impressionists.
- A master portraitist of the Dutch Golden Age.
- Captured fleeting expressions with loose, rapid brushwork.
- Rediscovered and admired by Manet and the Impressionists.
Key works
Where to start
Complete list of key works
Works with a dedicated ArtAtlas page are highlighted in gold.
- The Laughing CavalierOn ArtAtlas
- A Militiaman Holding a Berkemeyer, Known as the ‘Merry Drinker’Listed for reference
- Portrait of a young man with a skullListed for reference
- Malle BabbeListed for reference
- Willem van Heythuysen posing with a swordListed for reference
- Militia Company of District XI under the Command of Captain Reynier ReaelListed for reference
- Jester with luteListed for reference
- Merrymakers at ShrovetideListed for reference
- The Banquet of the Officers of the St George Militia Company in 1616Listed for reference
- Regentesses of the Old Men's Alms HouseListed for reference
- Laughing boyListed for reference
1624
The Laughing Cavalier
The cavalier is not actually laughing — only a cocky half-smile and a turned-up moustache.