Utrecht Guild of Saint Luke

In the 14th century, the Utrecht saddlemakers, painters, sculptors, book illustrators, and bookbinders were all united in the Zadelaarsgilde.

In those days oil painters were just as likely to paint on leather parchment or harness as on wooden panels or sculptures, so the choice of trades united in this guild is not so strange.

The oil painters were reorganized under the leadership of Abraham Bloemaert into the Sint Lukasgilde, while the smiths's guilds were united under the St. Eloyengasthuis (St. Eloy's Hospice) and led by the regents of that institution.

In 1717 the city council changed the formula from a guild to a society, and membership was no longer required.

The task of the society was mostly the running of the drawing school called the Stadstekenacademie that had been held in the St. Hieronymusschool since 1696.