An informal portrait of an extremely rich merchant, Isaac Massa, and a pretty burgomaster's daughter, Beatrix van der Laen. They commissioned their fellow townsman, Frans Hals, to portray them on the occasion of their marriage. Beatrix proudly displays the rings on her right forefinger: the bottom one is an engagement ring and the top one her wedding ring. Isaac holds his right hand over his heart - a sign of love and fidelity.
Frans Hals has painted large parts of the portrait in a loose and almost nonchalant manner. Sometimes using a single brushstroke he is able to achieve a true-to-life effect. The placing of a couple of white marks on Beatrix's stomach makes the material appear to shine. Details such as the cap, ruffs and cuffs are more accurately depicted.
[Oil on canvas, 140 x 166.5 cm]
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