Frans Hals (1581/85-1666)Frans Hals, the son of a weaver, was born in Antwerp some time between 1581 and 1585. In his biography of Hals, Arnold HoubrakenArnold HoubrakenAlthough an artist himself, it was as a writer on painting that Arnold Houbraken (1660-1719) achieved fame. His book 'Groote Schouburgh der Nederlandsche konstschilders en schilderessen' was published in 1721. It contains biographies of many 17th-century painters. Despite the occasional errors and juicy anecdotes to enliven the narrative, the book is a major source for art historians. recounts how the family fled from the Spanish in 1585 and settled in Haarlem. There the young painter was apprenticed to Karel van ManderVan Mander'In this banquet scene one can see a lively depiction of the frivolous character of the people and their unchaste lewdness, as revealed in their eyes.'. In 1610 Frans Hals became a member of the painters' guildGuildA guild is a society of persons united by a particular aim or occupation. Guilds were first formed in the Middle Ages. Some guilds were founded as charities, others were societies of merchants, craftsmen, artists and militias. Craftsmen would have been unable to practice their profession without being a member of the guild. Members were bound by a code of quality and price, but could also obtain assistance from the guild. An extensive apprenticeship system developed. Only a fully qualified master could become a member of the guild. Each guild had its patron saint: the patron of the painters guild was St Luke.. This enabled him to set up his own studio, and take on pupils and assistants, among them Gerrit Berckheyde. His younger brother Dirck Hals was probably also apprenticed to him. Frans Hals was famous for his loose manner of painting, referred to by his contemporaries as 'the rough style'. This style has been both admired and reviled down through the centuries. Hals tended to concentrate on portraits, and painted some superb militia pieces. Frans Hals died in 1666 and was buried in St Bavo's, the great church in Haarlem. |
