A Nocturnal Banquet by Otto van Veen 1613

"The moment they rise from sleep, which they generally prolong till late in the day, they bathe, most frequently in warm water; as in a country where the winter is very long and severe. From bathing, they sit down to meat; every man apart, upon a particular seat, and at a separate table. They then proceed to their affairs, all in arms; as in arms, they no less frequently go to banquet. To continue drinking night and day without intermission, is a reproach to no man."

-Tacitus' Germania

In 1613, the Dutch parliament (States General) commissioned Otto van Veen to paint twelve paintings depicting the revolt of the Batavians against the Romans in AD 69 and 70. These were displayed in Binnenhof, the central government building in The Hague. In the early years of the Dutch Republic, many compared their own revolt against Spain to the Batavian uprising.

Source:

https://useum.org/artwork/A-Nocturnal-Banquet-Otto-van-Veen-1600


Quote:

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2995/2995-h/2995-h.htm

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