Author's note
The text and image material collected here on the painter Frans Hals is presented in a completely new form. What was originally intended to be a comprehensive book is now available free of charge on the internet around the world. In addition, the information provided here is linked to the rich research material that the RKD-Netherlands Institute for Art History has compiled over many decades. I owe thanks to all those who made this project possible and supported it, starting with the planning of a book by the Frans Hals Museum. Anna Tummers and Ann Demeester explored the possibilities of an attractive publication. Subsequenly, Rieke van Leeuwen initiated the contact with the RKD. Following a conference at the Frans Hals Museum, Sabine Craft-Giepmans was the first to imagine a publication as part of the RKD's offerings. The possibilities of this institute went beyond the resources of the Frans Hals Museum, which remained associated with the project as a partner. I would therefore particularly like to thank the director of the RKD, Chris Stolwijk, who took over the responsibility for the innovative presentation of often unexpected conclusions, and the complex production of the whole. And I would especially like to thank the editor for this presentation, Ellis Dullaart, who, together with her team of colleagues, undertook a thorough review of all the texts and images and enriched the project with many suggestions and valuable additions.
Claus Grimm, 2024