One of the leading portraitists of 17th-century Europe, Frans Hals created his best works -including this splendid portrait - near the end of his life. Hals' portraits capture transient action and momentary poses, but at the same time convey character sharply and accurately, presenting a uniquely individual image of the sitter. The combinations of black and white used by Hals result in unusual pictorial effects and a delicate harmony of tones.