Bartholomeus van der Helst (1613–1670), Banquet at the Crossbowmen's Guild in Celebration of the Treaty of Münster, 1648

When the Treaty of Münster put an end to the war between the Dutch Republic and Spain on 18 June 1648, this event was celebrated throughout the Netherlands. This painting by Bartholomeus van der Helst (1613–1670) (click for a larger view) shows a banquet taking place at the Amsterdam crossbowmen's guild. The atmosphere is solemn. After the final settlement of this long-standing conflict, the men seem contemplative. As a sign of peace, the captains of the civic guard company (right) shake hands, and the drinking horn is passed around. In the middle of the picture a poem pinned to the front of the drum proclaims the joy of Amsterdam's armed militia. Finally they can lay down their arms.