Gezicht op gildehuizen aan de Veemarkt in Ieper, België before 1880

This black and white print shows the guildhalls of Veemarkt in Ypres, Belgium. Though anonymous, the print provides a glimpse into the economic and social structures of the 16th and 17th centuries. Guildhalls were more than just buildings; they were symbols of power and community for the craftsmen and merchants who formed guilds, which exerted considerable control over trades, prices, and standards. The architecture reflects a society deeply rooted in tradition, yet actively shaping its economic destiny. These buildings represent not only the economic stability of the guilds, but also their social and political influence within the urban landscape. This image invites us to reflect on the ways in which communities organize themselves, and how those structures are reflected in the architecture that defines their identity. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly static buildings are testaments to dynamic social forces.