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

Stephanus Geraerdts and Isabella Coymans

1650-52
Oil on canvas, 115 x 87 and 116 x 86 cm, respectively
Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Antwerp; private collection

Stefanus holds out his hand to his wife Isabella Coymans, who, in a matching portrait which is not, unfortunately, in the same collection, offers him a rose in return. The man (and the couple) radiates warmth. His full figure, his smile and his rich clothing are executed with a jaunty, impressionistic stroke in black, white and gold.