Korenmeters- en -zettersgilde van Amsterdam, gildepenning van Bernardus Koster 1778

Editor: This striking metal piece is a guild penny from 1778 by Bernardus Koster. It represents the Amsterdam Guild of Grain Measurers and Loaders. I’m struck by the amount of detail on something so small. What can you tell us about this work? Curator: This penny offers a glimpse into the social structure of 18th-century Amsterdam. Guilds like this one were crucial, acting not only as trade associations but also as social and political bodies. Can you see how the imagery, even on a small scale, reinforces their power and importance? Editor: I do, it seems almost like propaganda because it shows how integral their structure is, and that this tiny token actually served as something that reflected broader socio-economic power. The detail on the building depicted on the coin really speaks to that. Curator: Exactly. This coin wasn’t just a payment; it was a symbol of belonging and legitimacy. Notice the architectural detail, too. What kind of message might the artists be conveying here through that architecture? Is it trying to emulate the scale and details of their workplace? Editor: Perhaps it was about reminding people of the guild's authority by presenting itself as something grand. I never thought I could look at currency with a lens of social standing and representation. Curator: It’s a reminder that art, in all its forms, reflects the power dynamics and values of its time. Consider how similar tokens or symbols function in contemporary society; who controls them, and what do they represent? Editor: That's so interesting, now I want to research contemporary parallels, and what those parallels imply about society today. Thank you! Curator: Indeed, this penny makes you consider currency and the visual messaging. I learned new insights today.