The artwork titled “Shrovetide Revellers (The Merry Company)” by the esteemed artist Frans Hals, created around c.1615, is an exquisite oil on canvas piece that exemplifies the Baroque art movement. Measuring 131.4 x 90.8 cm, this portrait is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork depicts a lively and boisterous scene filled with celebratory figures donning festive attire. A central figure dressed in an elaborately detailed red garment adorned with intricate lace stands out, engaging with the viewer through a spirited expression. Surrounding this main figure are various merry-makers whose animated faces and dynamic gestures contribute to the scene’s vibrancy and festive atmosphere. The rich use of color and expert attention to clothing textures highlight Hals’ mastery in capturing both the individuality and the collective exuberance of the revelers. The composition conveys a sense of communal joy and the essence of Shrovetide festivities, characteristic of Hals’ ability to depict everyday social interaction with a vivid touch.
