In the context of this artwork, explore the Description of the Context.
Stephanus Geraerdts, depicted seated, stretches out his arm with a smile. His smile is a snapshot that Hals probably painted directly on canvas with a brush. This hypothesis is based on the fact that the painter left no preliminary studies. Arnold Houbraken wrote the following about this in his Groote Schouburgh der Nederlantsche Konstschilders en Schilderessen (1718-1721):It is said that he had a habit of making his portraits bold and melting, and afterwards inserting the brush strokes therein, saying: Nu moet er het kennelyke van den meester noch in
If the twin portraits are placed side by side, it is striking that the alderman is smiling at his wife. He wants to accept the rose she offers him. The spectator witnesses a tension created by their smile and action. Since the works have been separated since 1886, the bond that held them together has broken.Hals portrayed his model in a very casual manner. Usually Dutch regents were portrayed much less spontaneously. However, the couple's gestures are conventional. They express the bond of their marriage, which was clearly a love one for them. As was customary, Hals portrayed the husband slightly larger and closer to the viewer than his wife.
Geraerdts' outstretched hand is more roughly worked out than the face, and contained in a sleeve that art historians consider to be virtuoso. Hals depicted quite realistically the deep black cloak with gold embroidery of the alderman via fast, straight, almost impressionistic brushstrokes. In earlier art historical research, this way of painting was sometimes compared with Manet's painting style, and it is a precursor to Hals's later portraits. The Regentesses is an example thereof. It gives a certain dynamism to the whole.It is very clear from this portrait that Geraerdts is wealthy. In addition to the fact that Hals's portraits were costly, the alderman ostentatiously shows off his expensive clothing. His wife's is even more luxurious. She descended from one of the most wealthy merchant dynasties in Holland. At the time of their marriage, they lived in a beautiful house on the Keizersgracht in Geraerdts' hometown Amsterdam. He died in the latter city on January 27, 1671.
Amsterdam love one Regentesses Manet