Tussen hamer en aambeeld is a social economic study into several aspects of the goldsmiths profession in Friesland during the seventeenth century. The study, based on comprehensive research in... Show moreTussen hamer en aambeeld is a social economic study into several aspects of the goldsmiths profession in Friesland during the seventeenth century. The study, based on comprehensive research in archives, describes the influence of monetary laws, guilds and trade patterns on the lives and the works of the goldsmiths in Bolsward and Leeuwarden. During the Golden Age the craft was confronted with problems caused by the rigid monetary policy of the Frisian States. The Frisian goldsmiths became evermore depended on the import of silver from Amsterdam. The price of this silver rose while the selling price in Friesland remained fixed. In order to keep the profession exclusive the goldsmiths took protective measures and searched for creative solutions. Around 1672 many of the craftsmen were confronted with financial mishap. Some goldsmiths with a solid reputation, based on objects that survived the ages, set up a trade network with jewelers from Amsterdam. What are the consequences of this trade for the reputation of Frisian silver? The book contains biographies of the goldsmiths from Bolsward and new information about their marks. Show less
