Timmerlieden-, metselaars-, loodgieters-, steenhouwers- en straatmakersgilde van 's-Hertogenbosch, gildepenning van Frans van Mosseveld 1796

This guild badge was made in 1795 in the Netherlands. The badge represents the coming together of different craft guilds in the city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Note the tools of the various trades, the axes and trowels. Guilds protected their members from outside competition, set standards for the quality of work, and provided social support to their members. They were a very important part of the social and economic life of the Dutch Republic. The medal shows Frans van Mosseveld was a member, or perhaps a master, of this combined guild. The Dutch Republic in the late 18th century was experiencing economic decline and political tensions. Guilds, once seen as vital to the economy, were increasingly criticized for being exclusionary and resistant to innovation. To understand the significance of this badge, we can consult guild records, local histories, and economic studies of the period. By looking at these sources, we can gain a better understanding of the role guilds played in Dutch society and how they were changing during this time.