Draaiers-, witwerkers-, blok-, Spaanse stoel-, laden- en borstelmakersgilde van Middelburg 1709

This undated medal was made by Willem du Pre, a Dutch artist who died in 1722. Its imagery commemorates the union of several guilds in Middelburg, a city in the province of Zeeland. The symbols represent the trades associated with the united guild: the chair for chairmakers, the plane for woodworkers, and so on. Guilds played a significant role in the economic and social life of the Dutch Republic. They regulated trade, provided training, and looked after the interests of their members. They shaped urban economies and offered a framework for social mobility. Guilds often had strong ties to local government and the Dutch Reformed Church. This medal offers a glimpse into the world of Dutch craft production. As historians, we can study guild records, account books, and inventories to understand the economic activities of Dutch artisans and the broader social and economic history of the Netherlands. This medal stands as a testament to the importance of craft and trade in the cultural and economic landscape of the Dutch Golden Age.