Confrerie van de Edele Handboog te Middelburg, schutterspenning met no. 226 1628

Editor: Today we’re looking at a "Confrerie van de Edele Handboog te Middelburg, schutterspenning met no. 226", which translates roughly to "Guild of the Noble Archery in Middelburg, shooting medal no. 226." It's a metal piece by Johannes Looff from 1628. At first glance, it seems pretty dense, a little mysterious... So much detail packed into such a small object. What do you make of it? Curator: It's utterly captivating, isn’t it? Imagine this little metal disc having witnessed so much history! It’s almost whispering secrets of the past. I see this as a kind of ancestor of the challenge coin; a way for members of this archer's guild to prove their membership, foster camaraderie, maybe even show off a bit! Can you imagine the pride of carrying that around? Editor: Yeah, it's like a really old ID card. What’s the significance of archery at the time? Curator: In 1628, archery wasn't just a sport or hobby, particularly in a place like Middelburg. These guilds, or confreries, were civic institutions, playing roles in defense and public order. Owning and displaying skill with a bow became synonymous with civic duty and belonging. And Middelburg, if I recall correctly, was also a vibrant trading hub, so perhaps this was a demonstration of its might and security. Does seeing it that way make you see it any differently? Editor: Definitely, that shifts my understanding a lot! I was focused on its appearance, but the historical context gives it so much more meaning. It really transforms this little object. Curator: Absolutely. Sometimes, the true art is less about the "what" and more about the "why". History offers us context and in this case deepens our respect for those artisans. Editor: Right, thanks. So, instead of just a fancy-looking metal thing, I now see a piece of history that holds cultural value. That's kind of incredible.