Laughing Boy

This cheerfully laughing boy with sparkly eyes and disheveled hair is not a portrait, but a tronie—a study of a laughing child. Laughing figures are unusual, as laughter is one of the most difficult expressions to capture.

The virtuoso Hals painted the boy very directly and spontaneously, using remarkably loose brushstrokes. And yet he knew exactly what he was doing. The bridge of the boy’s nose, for example, is painted with a single well-placed stroke of white.

We present this amazing painting thanks to the Mauritshuis in the Hague. :)

P.S. Smiling is a rare expression seen in art history but Frans Hals depicted it many times in his works, including in these nine smiling paintings.  :)

P.P.S. If you still don't have a calendar for 2023, check out these DailyArt options full of amazing art that enlighten the year!  Now they are -40% off!  :)