merry company

English

Noun

merry company (plural merry companies)

1. (art) A painting, usually from the 17th century, showing a small group of people enjoying themselves, usually seated with drinks and music.
   • 2012, Jay Richard Judson, Gerrit Van Honthorst: A Discussion of his Position in Dutch Art:

     The continued interest of the Utrecht School in such merry companies is found as late as 1644 in Bronchorst's Merry Party also in Brunswick.