The Governors of the Amsterdam Wine Merchants’ Guild,

The group portrait is a special form of Dutch portrait painting. It is always used to depict those in official positions who execute their duties together while emphasising the equal status and individuality of those portrayed. Apart from officers in the schutterij or civic guard, those in official positions in both charitable organisations and guilds also had their portraits painted. In 1659, Bol, who was a pupil of Rembrandt, painted the portrait of the governors of the Amsterdam wine merchants’ guild. The pipette and tastevin in the servant’s hands are an indication of their profession.