Societeit de Hoop te Eeckeren, eerste prijs behaald bij het gaaischieten door Eduardus Braem 1844

Editor: This print from 1844, "Societeit de Hoop te Eeckeren, eerste prijs behaald bij het gaaischieten door Eduardus Braem," looks like it's engraved on metal. It depicts imagery of shooting at a bird. What’s your take on a commemorative object like this? Curator: This object really speaks to the role of art within social structures. We often think of art as existing within galleries and museums, but objects like this demonstrate how deeply entwined art was with everyday life, especially within specific social groups. Gaaischieten, or target shooting, was clearly an important communal activity, and this engraving serves as a public marker of achievement and belonging within "Societeit de Hoop," or "Society of Hope." Editor: It makes sense as a celebration of community through shared activity, I had not thought of it that way. Is there any significance in awarding a printed medal over say a painted portrait? Curator: Good question! Consider the scale and production of each format. While a portrait catered to the wealthy and powerful, a print allows for a wider distribution, enabling a more democratic form of commemoration. While honoring an individual, it simultaneously strengthens the identity and prestige of the Society itself. Does seeing it that way give you additional perspective on its significance? Editor: Absolutely. Seeing it not just as a reward, but as an advertisement of the Society's values. Curator: Precisely! And that advertisement can take different forms - a testament to civic engagement, community pride, and the pursuit of skill and excellence. This simple engraved metal shows how material culture shapes and reflects society. Editor: Thanks. I appreciate learning how something like an engraving of a bird shooting competition actually represents social bonds. Curator: And I, the enduring relevance of community symbols in artistic practice.