FRANS HALS (1584-1666) PORTRAIT OF HIMSELF Canvas, 321/2 inches by 391/inches HALF-LENGTH, seated to right, full face, right arm on back of chair with a paint rush in hand, large black hat, black dress, wide collar. In Gerald S. Davie's book on Hals, p. 146, it is called a "portrait of the painter." Signed at the right below the center, "F. H., 1635. Exhibited at the Burlington House, 1882, No. 87. " " " Boston Museum of fine Arts, 1910. Collection of S. K. Mainwaring, Ottley, England. Mentioned in "Old Master' Catalogue," Davies, No. 87, p. 146. Mentioned in Moes' "Frans Hals," No 37, where it is entered as "Portrait de Lui-meme." Comparison of this picture with what are known to be authentic portrait of Hals reveals many resemblances. The face here shows a refinement and a grace that contradict the stories of dissolute living always associated with the name of Hals. This is no the face of a drunkard, nor is the portrait the work of one. Davies, indeed, says that "in his power of setting down the momentary changes which pass across the human face, no man has yet equalled Hals. As a member of brilliant brush-work and in the consummate power of his hand-ling, he stands second, if second, to Velasquez alone." 3 GS