This artwork, entitled “Portrait of a young man,” is an oil painting on canvas by the artist Frans Hals, dating from around 1655 to 1660. The Baroque portrait measures 65 x 45 cm and is part of the collection at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain.
The painting depicts a young man turned at an angle to the viewer, facing slightly to his right, providing a three-quarter view of his visage. He sports shoulder-length curly hair that frames his face, with pronounced waves and volume. His expression is self-assured and direct, with his lips parted slightly as if caught mid-speech or thought. The subject has a distinct moustache above his lip. His attire consists of a dark, elegant period garment with a wide, plain white collar, a typical fashion statement of the 17th century. He wears a tassel or pendant hanging from a cord around his neck, which adds a touch of distinction to the otherwise sober portrait.
Frans Hals’ masterful brushwork is evident in the lively, almost sketch-like portrayal of the subject’s features, and there is a dynamic interplay of light and shadow upon the man’s face and clothing. The background is subdued, allowing the viewer’s focus to remain on the young man’s expression and the details of his attire. The artist’s Baroque style brings a sense of immediacy and vitality, a signature characteristic of Hals’ portraiture.
