Laughing Cavalier

Back home when I was growing up my mother had a real penchant for all sorts of kitsch and knick-knacks. But she also had purchased several small oval portraits which were small reproductions of works by the “masters.”

 

One such small picture (which hung on my bedroom wall) was a tiny reproduction of “The Laughing Cavalier” by 17th-century Dutch painter Fran’s Hals. This picture has a haunting quality to it that made a strong impression on me. So much so that years later when I went to art school to learn oil painting I did a self-portrait in the style of Fran’s Hal’s and that painting can be seen in the background on the cover of my “Anthology” CD/album. (Dutch painters of that period are still interesting to me with Vermeer being at the top of the list.)

 

I hope this piece gives you a little joy and respite in these trying times. Here’s hoping 2021 will be a much better year for everyone everywhere.

 

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