According to modern historians like Imre Besanger, Lieke van Deinsen and Rik van Wegen, the idea of the Muiderkring as a close circle of intellectuals and artists is largely a 19th-century myth, meant to create a sense of Dutch national unity and pride. As the bailiff of the Muiderslot, P.C. Hooft did invite literary friends and artists over, but it was more incidental and on an individual basis. All paintings and drawings of the so-called illustrious group date from the 19th century and early 20th century, not the actual 17th century.