Guild Procession in Seventeenth-Century Brussels Guilds played an important role in the civic life of the early modern city. They collected taxes from their members, imposed quality standards and order on the trades, and represented the interests of commerce and industry to the government. In return, they claimed exclusive monopolies over their trades and the right to govern their own affairs. Guilds marched in processions, like the one shown here, at important city events, proudly displaying their corporate insignia.

(The Senior Guilds, 1616, by Denis van Alsloot [fl. 1599–1628]/Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK/V & A Images, London/Art Resource, NY)