1074. AN OYSTER SUPPER.
Dirk Hals (Dutch; 1589-1656).
"Dirk was the younger brother of Frans Hals (see 1021), and was born at Malines in 1589. He followed his elder brother to Haarlem, where he died in 1656—that is, ten years before Frans. Dirk was a clever artist, at least so far as may be judged by his works, which are extremely rare. His figures are amusing, graceful in manner, and especially interesting from their costumes, which belong to his own time, and now appear somewhat strange and extravagant" (Havard: The Dutch School, p. 121). Dirk confined himself chiefly, says Burton, "to the representation of convivial parties, where cavaliers and ladies are seen enjoying themselves without much reserve at table, in the dance, or with music. His light pencil, his brilliant colour, laid on thinly over a greyish ground, and sharply accentuated, suited the themes and the small scale of his pictures."
The picture is signed (on the architrave above the open door), and dated 1626.