The Laughing Cavalier’ portrait, painted by Dutch artist Frans Hals in 1624 is featured in the Wallace Collection, London.
When seeing this painting for the first time, one wonders why it is titled ‘Laughing Cavalier’ because he is not actually laughing. However, on closer examination, his moustache is upturned and there is a strong glimmer of humour in his facial expression and glint in his eyes.
His costume is to put it mildly, ornate. The embroidered lace is exceptionally accurate as if it could be released and presented to an onlooker.
‘Laughing Cavalier’? In those days, artists would not tend to paint a smiling subject, let alone one laughing.
Frans Hals’ masterpiece certainly projects an inward laughter.
Actually seeing this 17th Century masterpiece at the Wallace Collection demands closer inspection.
So special; full of meaning and much deeper than when first viewed.
Image Credit: Frans Hals – https://www.oxfordartonline.com/page/wallace-collection-guide, Public Domain, Link