Frans HalsDutch, 1581–1666Saint John the Evangelist
Can I see it?
Yes, on view now
Where is “Saint John the Evangelist” now? J. Paul Getty Museum, Museum East Pavilion, Gallery E205, Los Angeles. Yes, on view now. Checked October 5, 2026.
Closed· opens tomorrow at 10:00 AM
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the painting
Observed by his symbol, the eagle, and poised to write God's words, Saint John looks up for divine inspiration, which he receives as brilliant light. Saint John, the Galilean fisherman who became one of Christ's apostles, is traditionally considered the author of the Gospel according to John and of the Bible's Book of Revelation. Hals used only light and handling of paint to create the lifelike, fleeting quality that made his portraits so prized. He chose a dramatic moment, then captured it with bold, spontaneous brushwork. A contemporary reported that Hals called the final touches he made to his canvases "putting in his handwriting"--adding the trademark highlights that give his pictures much of their sparkle. Treasured by both artists and royalty, *Saint John* was owned by painter Gerard Hoet and later by Catherine the Great of Russia.
J. Paul Getty Museum
Details
- Accession number
- 97.PA.48
In the catalog
Sources
- J. Paul Getty Museum
- Image: J. Paul Getty Museum — Open Content
In the life of Frans Hals
The whole life1612–1624
Service in the Haarlem civic guard
From 1612 to 1624 Hals serves in the local civic guard (schutterij); he will paint his first “militia picture” in 1616 and his last in 1639.
1617–1666 · Workplace
Haarlem
1623
Daughter born: Adriaentje Hals
December 1624
Son born: Jacob Hals
1626
Pupil: Adriaen van Ostade
1627
Son born: Reynier Hals
