Korendragers- en -stortersgilde van Amsterdam, gildepenning van Jurriaan Oostwalt Isenack uit Hamburg 1774

Editor: This is the “Korendragers- en -stortersgilde van Amsterdam, gildepenning van Jurriaan Oostwalt Isenack uit Hamburg," created in 1774. It seems to be made of metal, an engraving of a walking figure on what appears to be a coin or medallion. The person’s hat really stands out – so tall and distinctive. It almost seems… whimsical, in a strange way. What's your take on this piece? Curator: Whimsical is a fantastic word for it! This little fella really pops, doesn't he? You've nailed it by focusing on the hat. It tells you this is about the Corn Porters' Guild. See how deliberately *not* idealized this chap is? He is one of them! I wonder what the atmosphere in Amsterdam would be at this moment? It may look humble now, but back then, you felt this guy belonged to an incredibly important group. What do you notice about the surrounding elements? Editor: The border of the medallion looks like leaves almost. And, aside from that, the background is essentially blank. Curator: Precisely. So much negative space focuses our attention on the figure. The Guild wanted to highlight not grandeur, but industriousness and civic duty, that the person’s activity is its own honor. This fits perfectly within the neoclassical mindset! It shows how that artistic impulse percolated down into even everyday objects. I bet there’s so much storytelling just in those leaves. Editor: That’s really fascinating! I wouldn't have connected something as simple as a coin to such a major movement. I guess everything is connected! Curator: Exactly! It’s finding those threads that makes art history so endlessly exciting, isn't it? This little guild token shows us just how ideas can become a part of everyday lives.