Artwork
Girl Singing
Girl Singing is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Frans Hals. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
Girl Singing is a 17th-century oil painting on panel by Frans Hals, depicting a young girl singing from a music book. It is one of a pair of works, paired with Boy Playing the Violin.
Subject & Meaning
The painting focuses on the girl's expressive face as she sings, capturing a spontaneous moment. The musical theme and casual attire suggest a domestic setting.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by its square lozenge format and warm, muted background. The girl's face is rendered in detail, with her eyes cast downward and mouth open, conveying a sense of concentration.
History & Provenance
Girl Singing was painted around 1628 in Haarlem. It is speculated that the model may have been one of Hals's children, given the informal tone of the work.
Artist & collection
Artist
Frans Hals the Elder (UK: , US: ; Dutch: ; c. 1582 – 26 August 1666) was a Dutch Golden Age painter. He lived and worked in Haarlem, a city in which the local authority of the day frowned on religious painting in places…
Young Girl at the Keyboard
Young Girl at the Keyboard
Young Girl at the Keyboard
Old Woman Reading a Book
Woman Reading a letter
Seated Girl in Peasant Costume
Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light)
Young Woman with a Red Necklace
Young Girl at the Keyboard
Young Girl at the Keyboard
Sketch of a Woman
Boy playing a violin