Geuzennap, volgens overlevering toebehoord hebbende aan de graaf van Egmond

anonymous, anoniem, anoniem, anonymous, c. 1550 - in or before 1688

When in 1566 several hundred Dutch noblemen petitioned the Spanish authorities for greater tolerance in matters of religion, they were ridiculed as 'gueux': beggars. In response, they took the French name 'gueux' (vulgarised to 'geuzen') as a symbol of honour and wore a beggar's badge on their clothes. These were tokens that town authorities gave to beggars to show that they were legally allowed to beg. The crescent shape of the medals and the text around the edge 'Better Turkish than Papish' had several connotations. Turks had a reputation for cruelty; but they were also known for their tolerance to other religions. Moreover, the Islamic Turkish Empire was at war with Catholic Spain. Apart from badges, the Geuzen also carried small wooden begging bowls and flasks, reminiscent of the pilgrims who lived by begging.

  • Artwork typefles, beggar's medal, nap, bedelnap
  • Object numberNG-71-A
  • Dimensionsheight 2.7 cm x diameter 1.8 cm, height 5 cm x diameter 16 cm, height 2.9 cm x width 2 cm, height 2.8 cm x diameter 1.9 cm