Dirck Hals Biography | Oil Painting Reproductions

His family emigrated to the Netherlands after Antwerp had fallen into the hands of the Duke of Parma in August 1585. Dirck Hals was influenced by his older brother Frans Hals, but the painters who influenced Dirck the most were Esaias van de Velde and Willem Buytewech. Aside from a few small portraits he painted, he dedicated himself exclusively to the painting of conversation pieces, and the cheerful life of prosperous Burghers in their houses, gardens, and public places.

Dirck Hals was not interested in painting the heavy, serious side of life, in his work happy scenes depict people in discussions or flirting, making music and dancing, eating and drinking. His interior backgrounds are not very detailed, all the effort is put into the stylish dress and vivid portrayal of people. He succeeded in rendering people’s high spirits through facial expressions, expensive attire, pose, and loose grouping, more in tune with a house party.

He worked in Leiden in 1641 and 1648 and was an influence on the painters Nathaniel Bacon, Johann Hulsman, and Willem Cornelisz Duyster. His son Anthonie also became a painter.

Art Movement: Dutch Golden Age.
Artists Influencing Dirck Hals: Frans Hals, Esaias van de Velde, Willem Buytewech.
Painters Dirck Hals Influenced: Nathaniel Bacon, Johann Hulsman, Willem Cornelisz Duyster.
Artist's Biography compiled by Albert L. Mansour at The World's Artist, with text adapted from Wikipedia.