The artwork, “Fisher Boy” by Frans Hals, painted in 1630, is an oil on canvas belonging to the Baroque art movement. This piece, categorized as a portrait and tronie, measures 74 by 61 cm and is housed at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium.
In the artwork, the subject is depicted as a young boy dressed in rustic attire, seated with a serene backdrop that suggests proximity to the sea. The boy’s expression is lively, and he appears to be radiant and animated. The use of light and shadow is characteristic of the Baroque period, emphasizing the textures and colors of his clothing and the natural setting. The boy’s cap and simple clothing signal his humble occupation, while his face, rendered with notable realism and vitality, draws the viewer’s attention. The surrounding elements, though subdued, enhance the boy’s presence, making him the focal point of this masterful composition.
