Circle of Frans Hals, Dutch 1582/3-1666; Portrait of a young woman, seated quarter-length, turned to the left in a black dress with white collar and cap; oil on panel, bears initial 'H' (upper right), 57 x 46 cm. Provenance: Sir J. B. Robinson...

Circle of Frans Hals,

Dutch 1582/3-1666;

Portrait of a young woman, seated quarter-length, turned to the left in a black dress with white collar and cap;

oil on panel, bears initial 'H' (upper right), 57 x 46 cm.

Provenance: Sir J. B. Robinson, 1923.; Private Collection, UK.

Note: The style and technique are very similar to a number of portraits by Hals, with the present work depicting a young, probably middle-class woman dressed in traditional Calvinist clothing, likely executed in around 1650/60. Portrait commissions had become increasingly popular in the Netherlands during the 17th Century due to the new-found wealth of many merchants based in Haarlem and The Hague, and this burgeoning class was increasingly looking to demonstrate their status amongst society. Hals's ability to capture likenesses as well as his generally swift execution made him a popular choice amongst this monied elite. The loose brushstrokes and shadowing across the sitter's face in the present work exhibit a number of similarities to 'Portrait of an old woman', sold at Christie's, New York, 30 January 2013, lot 29. However the detailed and meticulous execution of the sitter's costume, including the bonnet and silk collar, point to a different hand.
Please refer to department for condition report