Epilogue

The epilogue discusses some of the most revealing findings in this book, ranging from spectacular sketches found underneath some of his most famous paintings to a surprising new insight into seventeenth-century attribution practice (i.e. Hals monogrammed a painting that he did not technically paint himself). Building on the survey of the development of Hals connoisseurship and the extensive case studies, the epilogue reflects on how (relatively) new techniques, digital tools and a close reading of primary sources have altered and expanded our understanding of Frans Hals, and explores their potential for enhancing the eye in attribution matters.