Heinrich Jenny, The Hat Makers and Carpenters Guilds, 1855, Paper

Details

Description

Title: The Hat Makers and Carpenters Guilds – A Tribute to Bern’s Historic Craftsmanship : This exceptional hand-colored lithograph is … Read more Title: The Hat Makers and Carpenters Guilds – A Tribute to Bern’s Historic Craftsmanship : This exceptional 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 striking image depicts two highly respected guilds in Bern—the Hat Makers and the Carpenters—participating in a grand historical procession. Their presence in this celebration highlights the essential roles that artisans and craftsmen played in the development of Bernese society. On the left, the Hat Makers Guild, or Hutmacher, is represented by a stately banner bearer in a deep red doublet with gold trim, striped blue and white trousers, and a plumed hat. He holds a flag featuring the image of a man wearing an elaborate turban, with the inscription Cesellament, possibly referring to a historical or patron figure associated with the trade. The guild members standing behind him wear similarly vibrant Renaissance-style uniforms, carrying halberds and maintaining a disciplined formation. Hat makers were responsible for producing a wide range of headwear, from practical wool hats for commoners to luxurious, richly decorated headpieces for the nobility. On the right, the Carpenters Guild, or Zimmerleuten, marches with a banner that displays a quartered coat of arms featuring woodworking tools, including a saw, axe, and hammer, encircled by laurel leaves. The banner bearer wears an elaborate red and gold doublet, yellow trousers, and a plumed hat, emphasizing the importance of the carpenters in Bern’s economic and architectural history. The carpenters’ uniforms, with red and white striped accents, complement the disciplined ranks of their guild members, who carry axes as symbols of their trade. Carpenters were integral to Bern’s construction industry, responsible for building homes, fortifications, and public buildings, making their participation in the procession highly significant. This lithograph is a vivid representation of Bern’s five hundredth-anniversary festivities, capturing the grandeur of historical guilds in full ceremonial regalia. The combination of bold reds, golds, and whites, contrasted with the deep blue and striped patterns, creates a visually dynamic composition. The level of detail in the shading, fabric textures, and heraldic banners showcases Heinrich Jenny’s artistic precision, making this a masterful tribute to Bernese craftsmanship.

Summary of Condition: The print is in good condition, with minor signs of aging such as slight foxing along the margins and mild discoloration on the edges. The colors remain rich and vibrant, especially in the reds, golds, and blues of the uniforms and banners. The intricate details of the clothing, banners, and weapons are well-preserved, maintaining the artistic and historical integrity of the lithograph. See less