Presentiepenning van het Kuipersgilde te Middelburg, 1640 1640

This bronze presentiepenning, or presentation medal, of the Kuipersgilde in Middelburg, was made in 1640 by Adolf Roelants. The medal embodies the ideals of the Dutch Golden Age, specifically its emphasis on the virtues of civic life, economic prosperity, and trade. The imagery of the medal is rich with cultural and historical associations. Middelburg, located in Zeeland, was a vital hub for the Dutch East India Company. The tools depicted are not just symbols of craftsmanship; they represent the economic activities that underpinned Dutch society at the time. The guild, an institution that regulated trade and upheld standards, played a crucial role in this booming economy, fostering a sense of collective identity among its members. The medal can be considered self-consciously celebratory. Understanding this medal requires knowledge of Dutch social and economic history, the role of guilds, and the visual language of the time. Resources like guild archives, period documents, and art historical analysis can provide additional insights into its meaning. By understanding the medal’s social and institutional context, we can appreciate its significance as a reflection of Dutch society.