Vlotschuitvoerdersgilde van Amsterdam, gildepenning van Flooris de Jong 1770

Editor: So, here we have the Vlotschuitvoerdersgilde van Amsterdam, gildepenning van Flooris de Jong - Guild Token of the Amsterdam Ferrymen's Guild by Flooris de Jong – from 1770. It's made of metal and is an engraving. It has a strange somber feel to it for such a functional object. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: The raw, almost crude lines for something made to commemorate a guild! I find that fascinating, you know? It reminds me that even officialdom has a quirky, human side. Look how the little boat bravely faces… well, maybe not a storm, but some turbulent weather conjured by quick strokes. Does it make you think of being at sea? Editor: It definitely gives a sense of movement, yeah. So, this was a token for a guild. What does that even mean, practically speaking? Curator: Picture the Amsterdam canals bustling with boats, and then imagine needing a way to verify legitimate boatmen! This was like their union card, a little piece of metal that spoke volumes. A little bit Baroque in that the drama is all compacted into the lines! Editor: Huh, that’s wild. It’s like a tiny, metal passport to a whole working community from centuries ago. I see it now, I had assumed there would have been many coins available, however its a unique personal memento. Thanks, that helps so much! Curator: Exactly! I now wonder, if we were to design our own tokens, what would they look like?