In the Netherlands, there are no larger militia paintings than the ones that are displayed in the Hermitage Amsterdam. They remind us of the Golden Age, a period in which trade and culture flourished in our country. Within just a few generations, an incredible economic boom occurred in the newly established Dutch Republic. The wealthy and powerful citizens who were then in charge had themselves immortalized in monumental paintings. Nowadays we see them as large, beautifully painted works of art. We can also decipher the codes and analyze the messages that are hidden in these artworks. The paintings served as a kind of LinkedIn-on-the-wall for citizens at the time. They hung in semi-public buildings and were intended for viewing and consideration. A beautiful example is this enormous painting by Johannes Spilberg (1619–1690). It is six meters wide, almost a meter and a half wider than the Night Watch.

The militiamen are arranged around a dining table, oozing success, wealth, and ambition. The city was doing very well so it had something to celebrate. Militia members who contributed financially received a place in the painting. Being portrayed towards the front of the painting was relatively expensive, and for a fulllength depiction, you paid top price. It was certainly worth it though, because a work of such prestige could boost your career. It was an opportunity to demonstrate your good citizenship and to show that you acknowledged your responsibility to the city. You could also indicate where you came from as well as show how well connected you were. We can see this illustrated particularly well on the right. The commander of the militia group, Joan van de Poll, is the one with the napkin on his lap. He is elegantly dressed in black, indicating that he belongs to the urban elite of wealthy merchants. Meanwhile his archers boast splendid uniforms with brightly colored sashes and feathers. Perhaps Van de Poll feels he is above wearing a uniform? He sits separately, almost with his back to his men. Yet what is more important; he is seated with his younger brother, Jan van de Poll, an officer in his civic guard who is about to embark on a spectacular political career.