The artwork titled “The company of Captain Reinier Reael and Lieutenant Cornelis Michielsz. Blaeuw, known as the ‘Meagre Company’ (detail)”, is an oil on canvas painting created by Frans Hals between the years 1633 and 1637. This Baroque-period portrait depicts a group of well-dressed officers in a formal arrangement, showcasing the distinct style and meticulous detail characteristic of Hals’ work.
The artwork illustrates the members of the company engaging with each other, exuding a sense of camaraderie and poised elegance. Each figure is depicted with fine, realistic detail, capturing the texture of their lavish attire and the intricate play of light and shadow. The background, simple yet stately, creates a contrast that enhances the prominence of the figures. The painting exemplifies the Baroque movement’s emphasis on drama, movement, and vitality, all of which are captured masterfully in this group portrait.
