Schoenmakersgilde, gildepenning van Maerten Lubbersz 1705

Editor: This intriguing guilder penny of Maerten Lubbersz was crafted in 1705. The relief, a humble depiction on metal, has a striking minimalist quality. What do you notice when you observe this piece? Curator: Focusing on the material form, I am immediately drawn to the subtle manipulation of the metal. The low relief is employed masterfully, maximizing its dimensionality within the limited surface area. The linear inscription complements, or perhaps subtly competes with, the more evocative shoemaker's emblem on the obverse. Note the circularity – both as physical boundary and visual motif. The perimeter dotted detail acts as frame and also softens the firm, geometric edges of the coin. Editor: It's interesting that you highlight the geometry, especially given its somewhat uneven shape, as seen on the obverse. Why do you think the artist maintained that uneven contour, as opposed to filing it smooth? Curator: The intentional retention of that seemingly imperfect edge is intriguing. Perhaps it functions as a subtle gesture toward authenticity. It subtly underscores its materiality as a handmade object – a direct contrast to the mechanization implied by standardized currency. Editor: So the ‘imperfect’ nature of the metal might suggest more intentional artistry. I've definitely learned to appreciate this work more deeply, thanks to that consideration! Curator: And, hopefully, learned that attending to such minute details expands our formal understanding beyond superficial aesthetic preferences.