Hals’ earliest civic guard painting is full of life and movement, the artist’s huge talent already apparent in his very first large commission. The men are enjoying a banquet to celebrate the end of their time as officers of the civic guard. On the left are the colonel and captains, the highest ranking officers. Further to the right are the lieutenants. In the centre background and to the right are the standard bearers. Some of the officers look up at us, as if we had just entered the room.