"Portrait of Lucas de Clercq" is an oil paint on canvas masterwork created by Frans Hals in 1635. This piece exemplifies the celebrated Dutch Golden Age painter’s characteristic technique, which favored rapid, visible brushstrokes over the smooth finishes common among his contemporaries. Hals was masterfully adept at capturing the immediate, vibrant presence of his subjects, giving the portrait a remarkable sense of psychological dynamism.
The work depicts Lucas de Clercq, a prominent figure, likely a member of Haarlem’s affluent merchant class, shown in formal, dark attire accented by a delicate white ruff. Hals focuses the viewer’s attention on de Clercq’s face and the texture of his clothing, expertly rendering the sheen of the fabric and the intricate lace. The painting originally formed a companion piece with the Portrait of Feyntje van Steenkiste, de Clercq’s wife, a common practice for portraits commissioned by wealthy couples in the 17th century Netherlands.
The canvas measures approximately 79 x 67 cm and is classified as a significant example of early Baroque realism. This remarkable painting is housed in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it serves as a central reference point for understanding the art historical development of Dutch portraiture. As a historic work, the image rights are considered to be in the public domain, ensuring global access for scholars and making high-quality fine art prints widely available.
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