Bierbeschooiersgilde van Amsterdam, gildepenning van Johannes Perkin 1691

This is a copper guild badge made in Amsterdam to commemorate Johannes Perkin in 1693. Guilds were professional associations that played a significant role in the social, economic, and political life of the Dutch Republic. Amsterdam’s ‘Bierbeschooiersgilde,’ or beer examiners guild, ensured quality control in the brewing and distribution of beer, a staple commodity. Badges like this one marked membership, denoting one’s place within a specific trade. What does it mean to belong, to be recognized, legitimized? The badge’s imagery—a beer barrel encircled by a wreath—speaks to the pride and value associated with skilled labor. Membership in a guild afforded you not only a livelihood but also social status, networks, and a collective identity. This badge isn't simply about beer; it’s about community, craftsmanship, and the intricate social fabric of 17th-century Amsterdam. It speaks to the emotional connections forged through shared labor and purpose.