HALS, Frans
(b. 1580, Antwerpen, d. 1666, Haarlem)

Two Boys Singing

c. 1625
Oil on canvas, 67 x 52 cm
Staatliche Museen, Kassel

The two happy youngsters sing from an opened musical score, beating the rhythm with their hands, while the older one holds a lute in his left hand. There is attentiveness and satisfaction on their faces. Their expressions are realistic, although more typified than portrait-like.

It seems certain that this painting represents Hearing from a series of allegories on the five senses. The other pieces may have been considered independent still-life paintings, and they have been scattered.

One additional detail seems to indicate that this painting is associated with the senses. The decorative feathered beret was not merely a fashionable dress item during the 1620s; its depiction may be interpreted as a symbol. "A feather on one's head indicates that one's sensitivities are as easily moved as the feather by the light breeze."

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 10 minutes):
Claudio Monteverdi: The Charming Angioletta, madrigal