For the bourgeoisie, collecting artworks was important in several ways: it was pleasurable and the works adorned their residences; it was central to business and, not least, it was representative of their wealth and social standing, giving them access to the aristocracy. Collections of the bourgeoisie play an important role today, both as historical testament to the families, their antecedents and descendents and in forming the basis of many public museums. Some commissioned artworks, generally made by local masters, are decorated with family crests which tell us about the family’s history.