Wapenschild en keten van de Sint-Sebastiaansgilde te Amsterdam before 1883

This is a rendering of the Coat of arms and chain of the Guild of Saint Sebastian in Amsterdam, a photogravure by Émile Aubry. Notice the concentric arrangement of the composition, with the medallion at its centre, which radiates outwards to the circular chain. The geometric exactitude of the image and its reproduction invites closer examination. The coat of arms, with its intricate details, is suspended below the chain. Through its shape and decoration, the chain signifies status and affiliation. Aubry, known for his meticulous attention to detail, captures not just the object itself, but also the texture and lustre of the chain, turning it into a study of light and form. This photogravure, while documentary in nature, transcends mere record-keeping through its formal qualities, offering a glimpse into the cultural values and structural orders that these objects represent. It is a cultural artefact but also an object to be experienced and interpreted.