Goblet of the Hague Confrèrie

In mid-17th-century Netherlands painters made various attempts to break free of the guild system and associate only with their immediate colleagues. Founding a ‘Confr�rie’ (‘fraternity’) was a form for artists to distance themselves from the various crafts. A Confr�rie was founded in The Hague in 1656 after a secession from the guild of house-painters and glaziers. Painters, sculptors, engravers and glass engravers were allowed to join the Confr�rie. In 1670 the Confr�rie commissioned the silver goblet shown in the picture which took on a ritual function during the installation of new members. The four branches of the Confr�rie, Painting, Sculpture, Glass engraving, and Engraving are represented in cartouches on the base of the goblet. However, the bowl is supported by a single figure personifying painting, seated on a globe. Engraved on the bowl are the names of the board members in office at the time.

Jonas Gutsche was a silversmith active in the northern Netherlands.