Maybe you don't immediately recognize yourself in a Civic Guard piece by Frans Hals, yet it remains an inspirational source on how to create a good group portrait. Take a look at how he positioned everyone at the table or where everyone is looking.

In Hals' first civic guard piece, 'The Officers of the St. George Civic Guard at their Farewell Banquet,' we see the officers who served from 1612 to 1615. The hierarchy in the officer corps is evident in the table arrangement. On the left at the head of the table are the colonel and the provost, the highest in rank. In the middle are the three captains, and at the end, the three lieutenants. Surrounding them are three ensigns (the youngest officers) and the targeteer. Ensigns were the only ones who did not have to resign after three years; they could retain their position as long as they remained unmarried. These paintings are also part of the collection of the Frans Hals Museum.

Feestmaal van de officieren van de St. Jorisschutterij, Frans Hals Museum