Frans Hals (Antwerp, 1582/1583 – Haarlem, August 26, 1666), along with Rembrandt van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer, is one of the three most important painters of the Dutch Golden Age. He is particularly appreciated for his loose brushwork and lively portraits of contemporaries, genre scenes, and colorful militia group portraits. Like that of Rembrandt and Vermeer, Hals's work belongs to the Dutch School.

The mural is a tribute to Frans Hals and Haarlem's heritage, and brings art visibly back into the public space.