Timmerliedengilde van Amsterdam, gildepenning van Steven van Beek 1749 - 1808

Editor: We’re looking at a bronze guild medal, a "gildepenning" by Steven van Beek, made sometime between 1749 and 1808 for the Amsterdam Timbermen's Guild. It's wonderfully tactile – a heavy coin almost. It has imagery on both sides. What story do you think it’s trying to tell, what significance do these images bear? Curator: Ah, it’s a portable world, isn’t it? Think of the stories it’s carried in pockets and hands! This guild medal speaks of identity and purpose. See on one side the Amsterdam coat of arms flanked by lions – proud civic symbolism. But flip it over – Joseph fleeing with Mary on the donkey! Why Joseph? Perhaps timber-men saw themselves mirrored in Joseph’s flight, resourceful builders escaping adversity. And it could reflect the role of the Guild. The membership helped carpenters become independent, but also to make provisions if they would get ill. What do you reckon? A symbolic parallel, perhaps? Editor: That’s a fascinating interpretation. I hadn’t considered that, viewing Joseph's flight as connected to Timbermen escaping an unsafe country due to war or economic reasons. Curator: It’s that delicious ambiguity of art! This isn't just decoration, its an investment. A man investing in something greater than himself. By identifying with Joseph in a subtle yet strong symbolism, the Timbermen gave more significance to the object, to its message. A medal isn’t just a bauble; it's a touchstone, a miniature declaration of faith, identity and trade. I find that delightful! Don’t you think it adds layers of significance to the work, to any work? Editor: Absolutely, it completely changes how I see it. Seeing Joseph not just as the biblical figure but as the workers during that period connects their stories. Thank you, I really learnt something.