Schoenmakersgilde van Vlissingen, gildepenning met no. 2 1738

This guild badge of the Shoemakers' Guild of Vlissingen features an intriguing array of symbols, each resonating with layers of meaning. On one side, you'll see a crowned boot, a clear emblem of the shoemaking craft. Beside it, a cobbler's knife, a hammer, and awl evoke the tools of the trade. The crown atop the boot may represent the guild's stature and authority, reflecting the socio-political role guilds often played. Flipping the badge, we see a vase adorned with flowers, a symbol of renewal, and a testament to the guild's prosperity. Consider the boot: in folklore, footwear often symbolizes journeys and life's path. Here, the crown suggests an elevated status, a journey not just walked, but ruled. This fusion echoes the concept of Fortuna, where chance and skill intertwine. Symbols like these aren't static; they evolve, carrying echoes of past beliefs into new contexts. These symbols are not mere decorations; they are visual anchors, engaging our collective memory.