Frans Hals Connoisseurs and Exhibitions: From Thoré to Today

This analysis revisits the study of Frans Hals connoisseurs and exhibitions by mapping the evolution of scholarly attention to his work, starting in the late-nineteenth century and extending to the present. It highlights the founding roles played by connoisseurs like Théophile Thoré-Bürger, Wilhelm von Bode, Cornelis Hofstede de Groot, Wilhelm Valentiner, and Gerrit Gratama, who together have significantly shaped Hals’s reputation. Special attention is given to Abraham Bredius, whose crucial yet often overlooked contributions have aided in piecing together Hals’s life story. Moving beyond Seymour Slive’s dominant perspectives, the discussion continues, contrasting his views with those of Claus Grimm and acknowledges the efforts of various scholars in continuing to refine understanding of Hals’s work. In particular, it shines a light on Gratama’s foundational role as the Frans Hals Museum’s first director, advocating for a deeper appreciation of his scholarly impact on Hals studies. The narrative then transitions into examining ongoing debates and challenges that persist in reaching a consensus on Hals’s oeuvre, while simultaneously hinting at future directions in connoisseurship. By adopting a comprehensive view, the essay pays tribute to past connoisseurs and exhibitions, emphasizing the vast trove of literature on Hals that remains invaluable to current and future researchers.