John Hayls

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John Hayls (1600 - 1679) was an English Baroque era painter. He is mentioned in the diary of Samuel Pepys where he is referred to as "Hales".

Portrait of Samuel Pepys by "Mr Hales". Oil on canvas, 1666. On display at the National Portrait Gallery.

Extract from Pepys diary, 17 March 1666:

...at noon, home to dinner, and presently with my wife out to Hales's, where I am still infinitely pleased with my wife's picture. I paid him 14l for it, and 25s for the frame, and I think it is not a whit too dear for so good a picture. It is not yet quite finished and dry, so as to be fit to bring home yet. This day I begin to sit, and he will make me, I think, a very fine picture. He promises it shall be as good as my wife's, and I sit to have it full of shadows, and do almost break my neck looking over my shoulder to make the posture for him to work by.