Regentenstuk, 1789 1789

"Regentenstuk" (1789) by Dutch painter Jan Bulthuis depicts a group portrait of five men in an interior setting. The painting's realistic portrayal of the regents (governing council members) of a Dutch city, likely around a meeting table, emphasizes the social hierarchy and power structures of the time. Bulthuis, known for his meticulous detail, captures the individuals' attire, poses, and expressions, offering insight into 18th-century Dutch society. The artwork, currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, is a prime example of the genre of group portraiture prevalent in the Dutch Golden Age.