Here is another close-up from the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford. Look at how the hair and beard are painted with quick, short brushstrokes. And the hooded, tired eyes are produced by just take a few strokes.Frans Hals was one of the greatest portrait painters of the 17th century. This is a portrait from 1644 of Joseph Coymans, a wealthy Dutch merchant.
Frans had probably done a few portraits before he met Joseph. I wonder how many sitting a painting like this one took?
ReplyDeleteSince I'm "into hats," I think that this one suits the subject very well! I think I should research the evolution and style of hats, don't you. I also think that this must be a magnificient museum.
ReplyDeleteSuch a different style from the Van Gogh you showed yesterday.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting these close-ups, Jack, you had a good idea! The photos are very clear, without tripod... You have a very steady hand.
ReplyDeleteThere is a good book about the Dutch Masters. This is another very nice portrait. Not sure if this is done is layers or wet in wet. Nice results.
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun to compare eyes. Often they say different things. Like the photo of Putin yesterday in the news. One eye was full of tears. But the other one said something else.
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing the art of Hartford here to all of us all over the world. I appreciate your commentary.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing to see the work close up. It's just not the same as when you step away from it. So many details!
ReplyDeleteHmmm! I wonder if he was a bit of a 'ladies' man Jack, those lips look rather sensual don't you think!
ReplyDeleteThe sculptures are all for sale Jack, so I think the artists hope that they will be bought, but if not they are packed up and on to an exhibition somewhere else in the world, not as nice as Cottesloe Beach though!
These are great Jack!
ReplyDeleteEnjoying your photos of portraits both yesterday and today. Interesting to compare the different styles.
ReplyDeleteImpressive eyes!This portrait is magnificent!
ReplyDeleteLéia
Great artist, wonderful portrait!
ReplyDeleteFrom some of your comments I'd guess you are an artist or have done some painting. It's a magnificent portrait of a very interesting-looking man.
ReplyDeleteRe your question: I've wanted out of Blogger for a long time but haven't been able to find an appropriate platform. Other blogging platforms were too complicated and/or expensive. Regular websites were too difficult and I didn't want to deal with a big learning curve. (I've already got one of those).
Weebly I stumbled onto and was delighted for I can run my blogs on it plus do all kinds of other creative photography - slideshows, gallerys, videos, etc. And it is very easy to use.
Sorry about the commenting. I know it's a bit of a pain...but up until recently most blogging platforms required one to fill in some blanks. Weebly is constantly upgrading and I expect some of the little glitches will be worked out. The people who run it are very easy to contact and very friendly.
Painting seems so easy whe you show it that way! But i'm sure that I won't be able to do the same even if I copy it..
ReplyDeleteNow that IS one of my favourites. I could spend hours looking at Hals' paintings.
ReplyDeleteThe subject certainly looks like a 'fat cat' compared with the impoverished artist of yesterday!
ReplyDeleteThe talent is so wonderful to see. Such a different style and technique from yesterday's pic!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great painting! Love the close-up.
ReplyDeleteNice work, Jack. Love how you make me feel right at the museum in the second shot.
ReplyDeleteI like that top shot with your explanation of the brush strokes. With the photo and your information I felt as though I were on a tour. Excellent!
ReplyDeleteSuch talent to make a painting look like a photograph. I do love his hat.
ReplyDeleteI like Hals, his people always look so lively and healthy! We discovered there is a Hals in a mansion near us, which is open to the public. We never even knew it was there!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great looking face. Love the pinkish hue in his cheeks, those droopy eyes and noble nose -- in the close-up pic. I don't care for him so much in the wide shot. Probably has more to do with his cape/clothing than anything else. Interesting piece, Jack.
ReplyDeleteI think he would have a hard time getting a date these days in that outfit.
ReplyDeleteI like Joe's whiskers.
ReplyDelete"Ha-ha" on your comment today.
Like you, I like to get up close and personal with a painting. The gaurds don't share my enthusiasm for such however. I'm always being asked to step back!
ReplyDeleteV
I would love to be this talented! It's not hard to believe that he was one of the greatest of his time.
ReplyDeleteow, i see you are visiting some dutch painters!
ReplyDeletewhen going to museums here, im always impressed by the huge amount of european art they have... and often indeed quite some dutch too, be it very famous or less well known. i really like museums here, usually they have quite some from a wide range of different "things"
Many riches abound in this museum.
ReplyDelete