Guests at a Feast being crowned (litho)

Guests at a Feast being crowned. Guests, on arriving for dinner, which was held in the middle of the day, were given water in which to wash their feet and hands, and were anointed with sweet scented oil. For some time they remained conversing, as it was considered impolite to proceed immediately to dinner. Flowers were brought to them and servants put garlands on their heads, bringing fresh flowers when the first became faded. On the guests being seated the servants handed round wine and the musicians entertained the company with the favourite airs of the day. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.