Jenny, The Society of Monkeys & Shipbuilders: A Swiss Guild's Grand Procession, 1855, Print

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The Society of Monkeys and the Shipbuilders – A Swiss Guilds’ Grand Procession This striking hand-colored lithograph is part of … Read more The Society of Monkeys and the Shipbuilders – A Swiss Guilds’ Grand Procession This striking hand-colored lithograph is part of the 'Fest Album Celebrating Bern’s Entry into the Swiss Confederation on March 6, 1353, Commemorated in 1853 on the Victory Days of Laupen and Murten.' Created by Heinrich Jenny and lithographed by Kümmerly and Wittmer, the print showcases a grand ceremonial procession of Swiss guilds, highlighting the rich traditions of craftsmanship and civic identity in 19th-century Switzerland. Published in Bern and Zurich in 1855, this illustration brings to life two prominent groups—the Society of Monkeys and the Shipbuilders. Historical Context of the Society of Monkeys The 'Zunftgesellschaft zum Affen', or 'Society of Monkeys', is one of Bern’s oldest historic guilds, dating back to at least 1321. Initially established as a fraternity of stonemasons and stonecutters, it played a crucial role in constructing Bern’s sandstone architecture. The guild’s name and emblem—a monkey holding a staff—carry deep symbolic meaning. In medieval iconography, monkeys often represented imitation, which aligns with the craftsmen’s ability to replicate natural and divine forms in stone. Additionally, the phrase 'Affe Gottes' (God’s Monkey) was a nickname for stonemasons, reflecting their craftsmanship in mimicking nature. The guild house of the Society of Monkeys, located at Kramgasse 5 in Bern’s old town, has been its headquarters since 1832. The red monkey figure adorning its facade is a well-known landmark in the city. The guild continues to play an active role in Bern’s cultural and social life. In 2021, it marked its 700th anniversary with art collaborations under the theme 'Die Affen von Bern' (The Monkeys of Bern), demonstrating its ongoing engagement in the arts and community. The Procession in the Lithograph On the left side of the lithograph, members of the 'Society of Monkeys' are dressed in striking black and white Renaissance-style uniforms, featuring intricate puffed sleeves and slashed doublets. Their banner, displaying a monkey in a decorative frame, serves as a playful yet symbolic representation of their craft and identity. On the right, the 'Schiffleuten' (Shipbuilders’ Guild) is depicted in blue and yellow uniforms, carrying long ceremonial pikes. Their banner, featuring a crowned blue coat of arms with ship-related insignia, signifies their historical role in maintaining Switzerland’s waterways. Despite Switzerland’s landlocked geography, river and lake trade were essential to its economy, making the shipbuilders a crucial part of the civic and economic structure. The composition contrasts the monochromatic elegance of the Society of Monkeys with the regal maritime colors of the Shipbuilders, creating a visually dynamic and historically rich tableau. The meticulous detail in the banners, costumes, and facial expressions makes this lithograph a testament to Switzerland’s civic traditions and artistic heritage. Condition and Framing Recommendations The print remains in good condition with minor signs of aging, including slight foxing and subtle discoloration along the margins. The colors remain vibrant, with well-preserved blues, yellows, and whites that define the uniforms and banners. The fine details of the clothing and shading have been maintained, making this a valuable historical artifact. For framing, a dark wood or deep gold frame would enhance the historical significance of the piece. A neutral archival mat in off-white or soft gray would provide a balanced contrast, ensuring the intricate details stand out. UV-resistant glass is recommended to protect the delicate pigments from fading. A shadow box frame with a floating mount would add depth, emphasizing the bold presence of the banner bearers and enhancing the lithograph’s visual impact. This piece is a fascinating glimpse into Bern’s guild traditions and a rare historical document of Swiss craftsmanship, making it a striking addition to any collection of historical prints or European art. See less