Banquet of Eighteen Guardsmen of Squad L, Amsterdam 1566, known as 'The Perch Eaters' 1566

Dirck Barendsz's "Banquet of Eighteen Guardsmen of Squad L, Amsterdam 1566, known as 'The Perch Eaters'" is a 16th-century Dutch group portrait depicting a company of guardsmen, all clad in black, seated at a table laden with food. The painting, created in 1566 and housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases the meticulous detail of the artist, capturing the individual personalities of each guardsman through their expressions and gestures. The scene portrays a moment of camaraderie and shared experience, highlighting the importance of communal gatherings and social bonds within the community. The painting's title "The Perch Eaters" is a testament to the guardsmen's meal, a dish of fish that served as a common food source for many during this time. This painting is a valuable example of Dutch genre painting, showcasing the lives and social interactions of ordinary people during the 16th century.