Alfred Bryant Copeland (American, 1840-1909), The Fisher Boy

Oil on canvas, after the original work by Frans Hals (Dutch, 1580-1666), signed at lower right, retaining label to verso, unframed.

30 1/4 x 25 1/4 in.

From the Collection of Dennis Weller, Ph.D., Curator Emeritus, North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, North Carolina

Alfred Bryant Copeland was an American known for his detailed renderings of European interiors, landscapes, and genre scenes. A Boston native, Copeland began his career designing prosthetic devices for Civil War veterans before dedicating himself to art. In 1866, he studied at the Royal Academy in Antwerp, developing a meticulous style influenced by Old Master traditions. His architectural views and church interiors won early praise in Boston exhibitions, including the Boston Art Club.

By 1875, Copeland had established himself in Paris, exhibiting at the Paris Salons (1877–1881) and the 1878 Exposition Universelle. His works, often described as “marvels of close and studious application,” reflect a mastery of observation and composition. Returning to Boston in 1896, he continued to paint until his death in 1909.

This work is based on an original completed by Hals in the early 1630s, which has been in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp since 1905.

Age cracking, stretcher lines, a couple of dents to the lower edge, a few scratches to the upper margin with associated losses, light retouching.