Ridderlijke Confrerie van de Handbussche te Delft 1718

This medal was designed by Gerard van Loon, an engraver active in the 18th century. It represents the Guild of Arquebusiers in Delft. Back then, belonging to a civic guard or a guild was often a matter of social standing. For many Dutch citizens, participating in these organizations was a way to assert their place in society. These affiliations weren’t just about professional networking or civic duty; they were deeply intertwined with one’s identity and social interactions. The medal becomes a symbol of pride, a reflection of the members' commitment to their community, and a statement of their social and cultural values. Notice the classical figure of a winged woman crowning the coat-of-arms of Delft. Her presence evokes a sense of historical continuity and reinforces the guild's importance in Delft's social fabric. The Latin inscription, "DEXTERITATIS PRAEMIUM", translates to "a reward for skill." This suggests a focus on competence and achievement within the guild. This medal offers a glimpse into a world where civic duty, social identity, and artistic expression converged. It’s a reminder of the intricate ways in which people sought to define themselves and their place in the world.