The artwork titled “Portrait of a Member of the Haarlem Civic Guard” was crafted by the renowned artist Frans Hals between circa 1636 and 1638. It is an oil on canvas painting, executed during the Baroque period, measuring 86 by 69 centimeters. The artwork falls under the genres of portrait and tronie.
In this portrait, the subject is depicted with a vibrant, almost whimsical expression, revealing a hint of a smile. The subject’s attire is indicative of a member of the civic guard, adorned with a wide-brimmed hat, elegant lace collar, and a vividly colored sash that signifies his rank or status. Hals masterfully captures the texture of the fabrics and the luminosity of the skin, demonstrating his exceptional skill in rendering human expressions and details. The use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figure, setting him against a relatively dark background, thus drawing the viewer’s focus to the nuanced portrayal of the subject’s face and upper body. The composition and execution reflect the artist’s proficiency in capturing the character and essence of his subjects, making this a quintessential example of Hals’ portraiture.
