Call to Arms 

Willem Cornelisz Duyster painted 'Call to Arms' in the Dutch Republic, sometime in the 1620s. Through its depiction of military preparations, this painting provides insight into the social fabric of the Dutch Golden Age. Notice the arrangement of figures - an officer stands prominently in the foreground as servants attend to his armor, while soldiers are gathered in the background. This is a clear illustration of the social hierarchy of the time and the power structures inherent in military service. The painting was made during the Eighty Years' War, a time of intense political and military upheaval. The imagery here invites the viewer to consider the relationship between civic duty, social class, and the ever-present threat of conflict. To fully appreciate a work such as this, it's essential to delve into the historical context, consulting period documents and military records to understand the social dynamics at play. The meaning of this painting resides not just in its aesthetic qualities, but also in its relationship to the society that produced it.