Beschrijving van het feestmaal bij de begrafenis van Gerrit Dirksz. den Uyl, herbergier te Sloten, 1680 1680

This is a printed description of the funeral feast of Gerrit Dirksz. den Uyl, an innkeeper in Sloten, dating back to 1680. Though the artist is anonymous, the detailed account provides a window into the social customs and class dynamics of the time. The text describes the procession of boats from Amsterdam to Sloten, followed by carriages filled with mourners. What strikes me is the presence of "50 to 60 beggars" along the route, many of whom were "excessively drunk." This detail hints at the stark social inequalities, painting a picture of the lives of those on the margins. It also hints at the role of alcohol in Dutch society, perhaps as a means of social lubrication, or even escape. The description concludes by noting that Gerrit den Uyl "left behind a great memory and much talk." I wonder what kind of memory he left behind and whether the talk was gossip or eulogy.