Frans Hals, Laughing Boy with Wine Glass

  Returning to the 17th century for this portrait titled: Laughing Boy With Wine Glass, c.1625.   It is an oil on wood painting by the great Dutch artist, Frans Hals (1581/85 - 1666).  The work is part of the permanent collection of the Staatliches Museum, Schwerin, Germany.  At this writing, I do not have the dimensions.
   I have no idea why the round format, and it is possible it is for very practical reasons, but Hals has perfectly filled the space with an appealing subject.  Just like the Bellow painting of last week, Hals catches a brief second of time  In the boys left hand (to our right) is the almost blurred image of a moving hand.  All other parts of the painting indicate the artist had amazing technical skill, so obviously the blur is intentional.
   It is difficult not to like a Frans Hals painting, for his subject matter is usually common folk out enjoying an evening at the local tavern; and giving us a glimpse of everyday life with everyday people. To us it may seem strange to see a young child consuming wine in one hand, and carrying what appears to be a beer mug in the other.  I think this speaks to the probability that clean water was hard to come by in this land almost surrounded by the sea.   Yet, this boy, with his sweet blushing cheek is enjoying life and I feel privileged that 400 years later, the sound of his laughter brings a smile to my face. 
  Make Art a part of your day, it's a beautiful thing to do.

Comments

  1. charguthNovember 12, 2019 at 6:50 PM

    Is he imitating an adult with his delicate handling of the wine glass? Obviously enjoying the moment. Is he left handed? Painting a bit loosely but yet so technical intrigues me. This child is comfortable in a social environment. The round format seems perfect for catching this moment closeup. I like the way the highlighted red lips reflect in several other places; cheeks, ear, mug and hands.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Art Expert On LineNovember 14, 2019 at 7:32 AM

    Yes, great observation, he must be left handed. And, I think it seems he is mighty "thirsty" with a mug in the other hand.

    ReplyDelete

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