_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.