Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

The Butchers’ and Tanners’ Guilds – A Display of Swiss Craft and Tradition, 1855

$646.59
£477.98
€540
CA$879.41
A$985.38
CHF 512.93
MX$12,054.58
NOK 6,510.65
SEK 6,149.23
DKK 4,111.83
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Title: The Butchers’ and Blacksmiths’ Guilds – A Grand Parade of Swiss Craftsmanship Description: 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 striking composition highlights two of Bern’s most important guilds—the butchers’ and blacksmiths’ guilds—marching in full ceremonial attire, proudly displaying their banners. On the left, the members of the 'Plattern-Zunft', or Butchers’ Guild, are dressed in richly ornamented red and yellow Renaissance-style uniforms, reflecting the guild’s wealth and status. The foremost figure carries a splendid white banner adorned with two red bears supporting a crowned shield, surrounded by golden stars. This emblem signifies the guild’s historical ties to Bern, as the bear has long been the city’s heraldic symbol. The men in the procession wear puffed and slashed sleeves, plumed hats, and decorative swords, adding to the grandeur of their appearance. On the right, the 'Schmieden', or Blacksmiths’ Guild, marches in striking blue and white uniforms, wielding their ceremonial weapons. Their banner, held high by a noble-looking standard-bearer, features a crowned blue shield flanked by green oak leaves, likely representing strength, craftsmanship, and the enduring legacy of the guild. The members of the guild, dressed in blue and gold checkered patterns, striped trousers, and plumed hats, stand in perfect formation, showcasing their discipline and unity. The grand reenactment depicted in this lithograph was part of the 1853 festival commemorating Bern’s 500-year membership in the Swiss Confederation. Guilds played a significant role in medieval Swiss society, regulating trade, maintaining economic stability, and even participating in military defense. This scene captures the essence of their pride, tradition, and deep connection to Bernese history. The attention to detail in this artwork is outstanding. The intricate patterns of the clothing, the realistic rendering of fabric folds, and the dynamic poses of the figures create a sense of movement and vibrancy. The contrast between the warm tones of the Butchers’ Guild and the cool hues of the Blacksmiths’ Guild enhances the visual impact of the composition. Summary of Condition: The print is in good condition, with minor signs of aging such as light foxing along the margins and slight discoloration on the edges. The colors remain vivid, particularly in the red, yellow, and blue hues of the guild uniforms. The fine details of the banners, clothing, and facial expressions are well-preserved, maintaining the integrity of this historical artwork. Framing Tips: To best showcase this vibrant lithograph, a deep mahogany or dark walnut frame would complement its rich colors and historical significance. A neutral archival mat in off-white or warm cream will provide a balanced contrast, drawing attention to the artwork’s intricate details. UV-resistant glass is recommended to protect the pigments and ensure longevity. A shadow box or floating mount frame could add depth, enhancing the three-dimensional quality of the figures and banners, making it an eye-catching display in any historical or art collection.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13.39 in (34 cm)Width: 19.49 in (49.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1855
  • Condition:
    The print is in good condition, with minor signs of aging such as light foxing along the margins and slight discoloration on the edges. The colors remain vivid, particularly in the red, yellow, and blue hues of the guild uniforms.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14056-111stDibs: LU3054343959312

More From This Seller

View All
The Butchers’ and Blacksmiths’ Guilds – A Parade of Swiss Craftsmanship, 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: The Butchers’ and Blacksmiths’ Guilds – A Grand Parade of Swiss Craftsmanship Description: This remarkable hand-colored lithograph is part of the 'Fest Album Celebrating Be...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

The Shoemakers and Tailors Guilds – A Tribute to Bernese Craftsmanship, 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: The Shoemakers and Tailors Guilds – A Tribute to Bernese Craftsmanship and Tradition Description: 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...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

The Wine Merchants and Weavers Guilds – A Show of Bernese Trade and Craft, 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
The Wine Merchants and Weavers Guilds – A Celebration of Bernese Trade and Craft Description: This remarkable hand-colored lithograph is part of the Fest Album Celebrating Bern’s...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

The Cantons of Zug and Bern – A Display of Swiss Military and Civic Pride, 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: The Cantons of Zug and Bern – A Striking Display of Swiss Military and Civic Pride Description: This detailed hand-colored lithograph is part of the Fest Album Celebrating ...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

The Cantons Unterwalden and Lucerne – Display of Swiss Unity and Tradition, 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
The Cantons of Unterwalden and Lucerne – A Display of Swiss Unity and Tradition Description: This impressive hand-colored lithograph is part of the Fest Album Celebrating Bern’s ...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

The Hat Makers and Carpenters Guilds – A Tribute to Bern’s Craftsmanship in 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: The Hat Makers and Carpenters Guilds – A Tribute to Bern’s Historic Craftsmanship Description: This exceptional hand-colored lithograph is part of the Fest Album Celebratin...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Old Original Engraving with soldiers characters France 19th
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is an engraving,black color. Representing Soldiers. It has been made in France in the 19th Century. With the collection stamp.
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Napoleon III Prints

Materials

Paper

I Swiss Regiment - Lithograph by Antonio Zezon - 1853
By Antonio Zezon
Located in Roma, IT
I Swiss Regiment is an original lithograph by Antonio Zezon. Naples 1853. Interesting colored lithograph which describes some members of the Swiss Regiment: A Damer in gear and a Da...
Category

1850s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Swiss Costume - Lithograph - Late 19th century
Located in Roma, IT
Swiss Costume is a lithograph print on paper in the Late 19th century. Good conditions. From the suite of "France Pittoresques, including costume of the world".
Category

Late 19th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Knights' Weapons - Lithograph - 1862
Located in Roma, IT
Knights' Weapons is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " History of the government, of the...
Category

1860s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

III Swiss Regiment - Original Lithograph by Antonio Zezon - 1854
By Antonio Zezon
Located in Roma, IT
III Swiss Regiment is an original lithograph by Antonio Zezon. Naples 1854. Interesting colored lithograph which describes some members of the Swiss Regiment: In the foreground an s...
Category

1850s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

French Costumes at the Time of Henry IV - Lithograph by Auguste Wahlen - 1844
Located in Roma, IT
French costumes at the time of Henry IV is a lithograph made by Auguste Wahlen in 1844. Hand colored. Good condition. At the center of the artwork is the original title "Tav. III....
Category

1840s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph