点评:Alongside Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Steen, Frans Hals ranked among the greatest Dutch masters of the 17th century. The museum in Haarlem houses a collection of Hals's finest works—most notably his paintings of the civic guard groups to which he himself once belonged. These are displayed to great effect in spacious, carefully lit galleries. His portraits are equally beautiful, offering a glimpse of the rising Protestant elite.
The modern art section is also interesting, though we felt somewhat overwhelmed after viewing Hals's works. It might be best to return and explore that part of the museum another time; after all, it accounts for half the collection.
The historic building housing the museum is also worth a closer look; it is a former almshouse for elderly men. A guide showed us around, pointing out where the residents ate and slept, and explaining how social care was provided to those in need over the centuries.
Be sure to try the delicious Thai soup in the museum restaurant.
翻译:与伦勃朗、维米尔和斯滕一样,弗兰斯·哈尔斯也是17世纪最杰出的荷兰大师之一。哈勒姆的博物馆收藏了哈尔斯最优秀的作品——其中最著名的便是那些描绘市民自卫队成员的画作,而他本人也曾是该组织的成员。这些作品在宽敞且照明恰到好处的展厅中得到了极佳的呈现。他的肖像画同样出色,从中我们可以一窥当时新兴的新教精英阶层的风貌。
现代艺术展区也相当有趣。虽然看完哈尔斯的作品后我们有些应接不暇,但或许最好下次再专门来参观博物馆的那一部分;毕竟那里陈列着博物馆一半的藏品。
这座博物馆所在的历史建筑也值得细细观赏——它原先是一所供老年男子居住的救济院。一位导游带我们四处参观,指给我们看昔日的居住者们用餐和睡觉的地方,并讲述了几个世纪以来这里是如何为有需要的人提供社会照护的。一定要尝尝博物馆餐厅里美味的泰式汤品。