Frans Hals Research Network

Encourages and presents research on Frans Hals

Frans Hals ranks with Rembrandt and Vermeer among the most famous and innovative painters of the Dutch 17th century. His smoothly painted, lively portraits of real people have inspired visitors and other artists for centuries. There are still many questions about Hals' life, working methods and workshop, to which science has no (unequivocal) answer.

That is why the Frans Hals Museum has set up the Frans Hals Research Network (FHRN). Under this heading, the museum initiates, stimulates, bundles and presents research on Frans Hals. Central to this is research into Frans Hals's studio practice. What was his working method? How does it relate to the working methods of his predecessors and contemporaries and what was his impact on later artists?

The FHRN increases knowledge about Frans Hals by stimulating and engaging in (inter)national collaborations. This can take various forms, such as research fellowships, (contributions to) publications, conferences, restorations and exhibitions.

Examples of cooperative projects include:

Frans Hals symposium
RKD Study Frans Hals
Restoration of MASP Brazil
Restoration of Regents and Regentesses 2018