HALS, Frans (b. 1580, Antwerpen, d. 1666, Haarlem) |
Two Boys Singingc. 1625Oil 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."
|