John Hayls: A Baroque Master of Likeness John Hayls (1600–1679), also known as Hailes, stands as a significant yet often overlooked figure in 17th-century English portraiture. His career, spanning nearly eight decades, coincided with the flourishing of the Baroque style and witnessed the rise of prominent patrons eager to capture their likenesses on canvas. While overshadowed by the towering reputations of Peter Lely and Samuel Cooper, Hayls carved a distinct niche for himself through his remarkably accurate and engaging depictions of individuals, particularly his celebrated portrait of Samu…