Chain of the Amsterdam Company of Arquebusiers c. 1500 - 1524

This is a silver chain of the Amsterdam Company of Arquebusiers, its creator is currently unknown. It provides a fascinating window into the social life of early modern Amsterdam. Civic guard companies like the Arquebusiers were more than just militias. They were important social institutions, bringing together men of similar social standing for mutual support and civic engagement. This chain, likely worn by a high-ranking member, is adorned with symbols of the company, including a small silver bird, probably a parrot, which was the target in shooting contests. It represents the values of the company, such as skill, marksmanship and camaraderie. This chain reflects the values of a particular social class in a specific time and place. By studying guild records, membership lists, and other archival sources, we can learn more about the men who wore such chains and the social world they inhabited. Art, in this case, can tell us a lot about the broader social and institutional contexts.