Exclusive Sneak Peek: Frans Hals’ Artistic Mastery Unveiled at Rijksmuseum

As I stepped into the grand halls of the Rijksmuseum to see the preview of the Frans Hals exhibit, it was clear that this was more than just another temporary art exhibition.

The Frans Hals exhibit is a groundbreaking collaboration that brought together the most esteemed art institutions from around the world. It is organized in special cooperation with the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem, the National Gallery in London, and the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin.

For art lovers like myself, this exhibition presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to delve deep into the world of Frans Hals, whose innovative techniques and portrayal of everyday life continue to inspire and captivate.

As a perk of being a Rijksmuseum Friend, I was able to check out the exhibit before it opened to the public. Here are some important things to know and an insider’s perspective on the exhibit.

Fast Facts About The Exhibit:

• The Frans Hals exhibit at Rijksmuseum features over 50 masterpieces by the artist.
• The exhibit provides insight into Hals’ artistic career and his impact on Dutch art during the 17th century.
• A majority of the paintings in the exhibit are on loan from renowned international museums and private collectors.
• The reunited portraits of Catharina Brugman and Tieleman Roosterman last together side-by-side approximately 90 years ago.

The Lenders and Their Contributions

The Frans Hals exhibit draws from an impressive array of international collections, from Amsterdam’s storied galleries to the distant walls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Each piece tells a part of the story, contributing to a comprehensive narrative of Hals’ life and work in chronological order. It’s a remarkable feat of global cooperation, bringing together pieces that provide a rich tapestry of the artist’s evolution and impact on the art world when viewed side by side.

Frans Hals: Innovator of His Time

Frans Hals pioneered, breaking away from his contemporaries’ precise and detailed painting styles to embrace a looser, more expressive technique. His work, characterized by its vivid, dynamic brushstrokes, was revolutionary, aligning with the latest artistic trends in the Netherlands and Europe.

While some initially dismissed his style as rough or simple, true connoisseurs recognized the complexity and skill required to capture the essence of life so effortlessly on canvas. Hals’ approach was not merely different; it was transformative, setting a new standard for realism and emotional depth in portraiture.

Portraits and Scenes from Daily Life

His unique focus on people from all walks of life sets Hals apart. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he found beauty and dignity in the common folk of Haarlem, from fisher children to market women. These were not commissioned portraits but snapshots of daily life, captured with a compassion and realism that few could match.

His ability to depict smiles and laughter with a few swift brushstrokes conveys a sense of immediacy and movement, making each portrait come alive. As a viewer, I felt as though I was catching a glimpse into the lives of individuals from centuries past, their emotions as vivid and relatable now as they were then.

Technique and Teaching: The Legacy of Smearing

Hals was not only a master painter but also a dedicated teacher, advising his students to “smear” paint onto the canvas with confidence. He practiced this technique throughout his career gave him a remarkable sense of depth and vitality.

Even in his later works, when his touch became even looser and more expressive, Hals’ skill in characterizing his subjects remained unmatched. The regents of the Old Men’s Alms House, depicted with such bravura and compassion, are a testament to his enduring genius and innovative spirit.

Visiting the Exhibit: What to Expect

For those planning to visit, the exhibit promises an immersive journey through the life and legacy of Frans Hals. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum provides the perfect setting to explore the breadth of Hals’ work, from his early portraits to his final masterpieces.

It’s an opportunity to see these works in person and connect with a pivotal moment in Dutch art history, experiencing firsthand the beauty and complexity of Hals’ vision. Take a look at our visual web story to see some highlights from my visit.