Frans Hals (1580-1666)

Museums in the Netherlands were the victim of two thefts last year, while closed due to coronavirus restrictions. A 58-year-old man has now been arrested, suspected of stealing Spring Garden and Two Laughing Boys, worth $25M together. The works have not yet been recovered. (Reuters)

The investment company of collector David Kowitz, Fairlight Art Ventures, co-seller of Hal's fake portrait, was ordered to repay $5.3 million to Sotheby's following his appeal. The auction house had to compensate the buyer of the painting after the forgery was spotted by Orion Analytical.

Deemster currently directs the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and will begin in her new role at Kunsthaus Zürich in January 2023. She will succeed Christoph Becker, who has directed the Swiss institution for two decades.

Yesterday, the 17th-century Dutch artist, who painted alongside Frans Hals, went mainstream with her very own Google Doodle. The doodle uses her c. 1630 Self-Portrait which is in the National Gallery of Art collection in Washington D.C., which one of about 35 known works by Leyster. 

This majestic trapped lion illustrating French fabulist Jean de La Fontaine’s retelling of Aesop’s fable is attributed to Flemish artist Frans Snyders (1579-1657). In the 19th century, it belonged to the wealthy Spanish financier and collector Marquis of Remisa.

This Frans Krajcberg painting from a Parisian collection sheds light on his work.

Belonging to a long line of Flemish artists, Frans II Francken (1581-1642) asked his family and collaborators to pose for his paintings.

With its outsize format (118 x 213.5 cm), Biblical subject worthy of Hollywood by an outstanding Flemish painter and museum quality, this piece had all the ingredients for a splendid sale. And indeed, seven bidders from France, Holland and the UK battled...

Produced in Antwerp in around 1635, this painting by David Teniers the Younger is striking for its refined execution, beautiful colours, tranquil composition and the players' expressions.

Far more than an allegory of taste, this "portrait" of a boy by the Brussels artist Michael Sweerts explores children's status in the Northern countries' Golden Age of painting.