Frans Hals' "Banquet of the Officers of the St. Hadrian Civic Guard Company"

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Frans_Hals_-_Banquet_of_the_Officers_of_the_St_Hadrian_Civic_Guard_Company_-_WGA11092.jpg

“Banquet of the Officers of the St. Hadrian Civic Guard Company” by Frans Hals, a renowned Dutch artist, was painted around 1627. Frans Hals was one of the greatest artists during his time and was well known for his ability to “capture a moment.” Many of the men depicted here seem as if they are about to jump out of the painting and say something. As in many of his works, several of the subjects’ mouths appear slightly open, as if they are in the middle of speaking. This painting is one of many portraits of a “civic guard.” However, only this painting was free of weapons. I found this interesting; it was as if this was one of the rare companies who didn’t want to be painted with their weapons, in a peaceful and cheerful environment. One of the parts that definitely amazed me was the design on the glass window in the background. The edge panels, though some are in front of the tree, all have a faint coat-of-arms drawn in. I think they may represent the households of all the men who serve in the company. However, I personally dislike the fact that several of the men appear to be looking at anyone who sees the painting. I think a portrait of a banquet should have its members looking at each other, not a viewer of the painting. On another note, I don’t think this painting is representative of baroque art because it doesn’t seem to have an overly ornate feeling to it. However, the subjects all seem to be dressed well and don’t seem like they have any economic struggles. Of course, this may just be because they are at a banquet, so they have to dress well, and they would be happy to be feasting. Though it doesn’t quite feel like a baroque painting, it definitely has Renaissance elements such as humanism and secularism.