Regents of the Old Men's Almshouse

Though it is no longer known which name belongs with which face, the regents portrayed were Jonas de Jong, Mattheus Everzwijn, Dr. Cornelis Westerloo, Daniel Deinoot and Johannes Walles.

Whatever the case, the regents never complained about the painting and it is likely that they were satisfied with the commission they gave to the elderly Hals.

In the 19th century when Hals' loose brushwork became popular with impressionists, several copies were made of this painting.

Today the painting is considered one of the highlights of the Frans Hals Museum, which is housed in the same building for which it was originally commissioned.

The complex has been unrecognizably rebuilt, however, and the painting no longer hangs in a specific place, but moves around according to various exhibition needs.