An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
Banquet at the Crossbowmen’s Guild in Celebration of the Treaty of Münster, Bartholomeus van der Helst, 1648h 232cm × w 547cm
Bartholomeus van der Helst
oil on canvas
In the heart of Amsterdam, where canals glimmer like liquid glass in the soft light of dawn, stood the steadfast buildings that housed the civic guards—the city’s own militia, formed by the unwavering spirit of its volunteers. Each district, a tapestry of unique neighborhoods, boasted its own company, each with a headquarters reflecting the pride and strength of its people.
As the sun rose higher, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, it illuminated the grand architecture birthed in the 17th century. Tall, stately structures rose, adorned with intricate designs, replete with stories of bravery waiting to be told. Inside, the atmosphere was steeped in camaraderie and valor, where the unity of neighbors was immortalized through the striking group portraits that lined the walls—silent sentinels of history, gazing down at the generations that had come and gone.
Among these artworks, one stood out—a magnificent creation by the artist Bartholomeus van der Helst, completed in the year 1648. With a masterful touch, Van der Helst captured the essence of an Amsterdam company gathered in their hall, celebrating a newfound peace between Spain and the Dutch Republic. His brush moved gracefully across the canvas, breathing life into the figures, their faces radiant with hope and pride, a collective exhale after years of tumult.
In that moment, the painting became a bridge, connecting those who had come together in service and friendship, their shared mission echoing through history. Each stroke whispered tales of valor, the laughter of camaraderie, and the bittersweet memories of struggle, reinforcing the sense of community that defined Amsterdam, and, indeed, the human experience itself.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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