An artist who vividly depicted the 17th century Dutch Republic and its citizens, Hals’ bold techniques and masterly brushstrokes, dramatically reveal the spirit, and personality of his sitters.
The enrichment of the middle class was associated with an increased demand for fashionable portraits.
Wealthy merchants, politicians, soldiers, and skilled craftsmen wanted to celebrate their services to the state and their accomplishments, with posterity for themselves, their family, and their social group.
But many of their successes had shady connections to the Dutch East India Company and the transatlantic slave trade
Sophie Lachowsky
Sophie is an art historian. She is a lecturer and writer with experience in the culture and heritage sectors.
After an international legal career, she graduated from the Courtauld Institute with an MA in History of Art, with a focus on post World War II abstraction.
She has given talks at Kenwood House, and the Courtauld Gallery, and bespoke guided tours, of the Wallace Collection and the outdoor contemporary sculpture trail, Sculpture in the City.
She writes on modern and contemporary art, including contributing to the Woman’s Art Journal.
She is a trustee of The Showroom, a non-profit contemporary art space, in London.
Sophie is enthusiastic about creating a unique cultural experience that appeals to a diverse and multigenerational audience. She strongly believes in the power of art, to shape our thinking
