The story is told that at a dinner one evening, Winston Churchill was seated next to a highly decorated young man whom he did not immediately recognize. He asked the Sir with interest how he had earned his knighthood. The young man answered proudly that he was a painter. Churchill replied, “I see! Art is the easiest way up.” This is upward mobility, an essential premise for networking — if you can not climb the social ladder, networking is effectively pointless. Ferdinand Bol's career is an appropriate example of what Churchill meant. He was an extremely successful and highly respected painter, yet it was only after his second marriage in 1669 that he made a real step upward. Anne van Erckel became his wife, and she was very wealthy. Overnight, Bol went from portraying to being portrayed. He was invited to sit on the board of one of the city's most prestigious charitable institutions.

He is seated at the table in a manner that a true economic regent should. He sits furthest on the left; alert, composed and self-assured. He is a board member, at the mayor's request, of what we nowadays would call a food bank. These positions were an honor for rich citizens. Moreover, it was thought that wealthy board members would be less corrupt, or in any case, would keep less money for themselves. Their pockets were already filled; that was the idea. The regents alongside Bol at the table demonstrate precisely why they are on this board; they are counting money. The motto is “show your virtues.” The painting is therefore a depiction of their skills, yet also an open application to more jobs, or perhaps even better jobs. The message is evident; “You can trust us.” It is a true testimonial. Of course, Bol knew this like no one else. How many careers had he been able to lift with just one painting?