Portrait of a Lady

Frans Hals, one of the most celebrated portrait painters of the 17th century, demonstrated here his signature verve in inscribing decoration on black satin and capturing the freshness of his subject’s skin. Adopting the portrait conventions established by such specialists as Paulus Moreelse, Hals enlivened this sitter through the application of loose brushstrokes to create highlights on her lace cap and brocaded bodice. The plain background, which bears the date of the painting and the age of the sitter, focuses attention on the 33-year-old woman’s face and fine attire.