Fotomontage: H.W. Mesdag, Jozef Israëls en een onbekend man zittend aan tafels in een zaal ter gelegenheid van een diner (Arti, Pulchri Studio) c. 1890 - 1900

This photomontage by Machiel Hendricus Laddé captures a dinner event at Arti et Amicitiae and Pulchri Studio. Long tables disappear into the distance, where men gather, symbols of community and shared experience, their forms echo the ancient symposiums. The act of dining together, laden with historical and cultural significance, appears in images across time, from the Last Supper to contemporary family portraits. In each instance, it represents fellowship, nourishment, and the negotiation of social bonds. Like the ever-shifting image of the 'banquet,' its meaning has transformed through history, yet its core essence remains. The collective memory embedded in these symbols evokes a deep psychological response. We respond to the inherent human need for connection and belonging. The ritual of dining together becomes a powerful force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level and creating a shared emotional experience that transcends time.