The Shoemakers and Tailors Guilds A Tribute to Bernese Craftsmanship, 1855, Paper

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Title: The Shoemakers and Tailors Guilds – A Tribute to Bernese Craftsmanship and Tradition : This remarkable hand-colored lithograph is … Read more Title: The Shoemakers and Tailors Guilds – A Tribute to Bernese Craftsmanship and Tradition : This remarkable 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, published in Bern and Zurich in 1855. Created by the artist Heinrich Jenny and lithographed by Kümmerly and Wittmer, this illustration features the Shoemakers and Tailors Guilds, two essential trade organizations in medieval and early modern Bern. The procession is a grand display of Swiss guild pride, historical pageantry, and civic tradition. On the left, the Shoemakers Guild, or Schuhmachern, is represented by a group dressed in striking yellow and black Renaissance-style uniforms. The banner bearer holds a white flag adorned with a rampant golden lion gripping a black shield, symbolizing the strength and resilience of the guild. The shoemakers played a crucial role in Bernese society, producing and repairing footwear for citizens, military personnel, and nobility alike. The disciplined formation of the guild members, carrying halberds and dressed in matching yellow stockings and elaborately patterned doublets, reflects their pride and unity. On the right, the Tailors Guild, known as Heimweh or Schneider, marches in elegant black and white attire, with the banner bearer proudly holding a flag featuring a crowned Moor’s head encircled by a wreath of oak leaves. This symbol was commonly associated with certain guilds across Europe, representing craftsmanship, skill, and a connection to heraldic traditions. The tailors were among the most prestigious craftsmen in Bern, responsible for producing fine garments for the city’s elite. The members of the guild, standing in perfect formation, wear finely detailed striped and brocaded uniforms, showcasing their expertise in fabric and design. This lithograph captures the spirit of Bern’s five hundredth-anniversary celebration, where each guild was honored with a role in the grand procession. The combination of vibrant yellow, black, and white in the shoemakers’ group contrasts beautifully with the rich black and gold of the tailors’ attire, creating a visually dynamic and historically significant composition. The level of detail in the shading, clothing textures, and heraldic banners highlights Jenny’s artistic precision, making this a masterful representation of Bernese history. Summary of Condition: The print is in good condition, with minor signs of aging, including slight foxing along the margins and mild discoloration on the edges. The colors remain vibrant, particularly in the yellow, gold, and black hues of the guild uniforms. The fine details of the banners, clothing patterns, and weapons are well-preserved, maintaining the integrity of the artwork. See less