WHAT?  Frans Hals 

WHERE? The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square. London WC2N 5DN

WHEN? Now until 21st January 2024 

WHY GO? To be joyfully uplifted.  Mention Frans Hals, and immediately a robust Laughing Cavalier springs to mind.  He is as iconic as the Mona Lisa, therefore it's thrilling to be introduced to a whole sumptuous retrospective of this 17th-century Dutch artist's work in all its full glory. 

And glorious it is, from smiley rosy cheeked women to macho moustachioed men that look more than happy with themselves.  And happy they should be, for Hals was worshipped as an artist in his day and never short of commissions as this blockbuster reveals.  From the merry wives of important merchants to their joyful family groups, he cornered the market in portraiture and was much admired by later day big names such as Manet and Van Gogh so was undoubtedly ‘laughing’ himself all the way to the bank. 

It’s impossible not to marvel at such magnificent finery embellishing each sitter.  All are dressed to impress in opulent embroidery, fancy frills and high collared ruffles, even the babies are divinely decked out in miniature silks. It really is all a joyful romp through the golden age of Dutch art history.

This is the first retrospective of Hal's work in almost thirty years, and yes, The Laughing Cavalier is here, on loan (another first) from the Wallace Collection where it usually hangs centre stage.

IN THE KNOW 

The National Gallery offers a whole list of special events throughout their Friday Lates programme, when it stays open until 9pm.  Explore exhibitions after hours or book a romantic dinner in their stunning new Ochre restaurant, Hals himself would most certainly approve!