Slepersgilde van Amsterdam, gildepenning van Hendrik van der Hogen 1738

Hans Rogiers van Harelbeke made this guild badge for Hendrik van der Hogen's Amsterdam guild of haulers in 1638. Formed from a disc of bronze, it is stamped on both sides with imagery relating to the hauling trade. The badge shows a man, presumably Hendrik, walking alongside a horse-drawn cart, as well as a family crest. The date is etched on one side. The material itself, bronze, is significant: relatively low cost, but strong enough to withstand constant handling. This badge represents the labor and solidarity of a working-class trade association. The making of this object links to a broader social context that includes craft and fine arts. Though such tokens are not typically considered high art, they are examples of fine metalworking. The imagery suggests a celebration of the value of work and civic engagement, offering insight into the cultural values of the period. The Slepersgilde is a reminder of the importance of understanding materials and making when exploring the nuances of historical artifacts.