Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11

The Cantons Unterwalden and Lucerne – Display of Swiss Unity and Tradition, 1855

About the Item

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 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 composition highlights two important Swiss cantons, Unterwalden and Lucerne, marching in ceremonial formation to commemorate their role in the Swiss Confederation. On the left, the Canton of Unterwalden is represented by a banner bearer in a striking red and white uniform, adorned with slashed sleeves, a plumed hat, and polished armor. The banner he holds features a red and white flag with a key symbol, the historical emblem of Unterwalden. This canton was one of the original members of the Swiss Confederation, and its flag symbolizes protection and unity. Behind the banner bearer, a disciplined regiment of soldiers dressed in red and white stands in formation, carrying long pikes. Their confident stance and finely detailed uniforms reflect the canton’s martial traditions and its early role in defending Swiss independence. On the right, the Canton of Lucerne is depicted in elegant blue and white attire, with a banner bearer leading the procession under the blue and white flag of Lucerne. His attire, richly decorated with gold detailing, emphasizes the wealth and influence of this central Swiss canton. Lucerne was a major political and economic center in medieval Switzerland, and its allegiance to the Confederation played a significant role in shaping the country’s history. The soldiers behind him, wearing meticulously crafted Renaissance-style uniforms, march in perfect order, carrying halberds and other ceremonial weapons. Their disciplined formation and regal bearing showcase the military and civic pride of Lucerne. This lithograph captures the grandeur and historical importance of Bern’s five hundredth-anniversary celebration, honoring the cantons that helped establish and defend the Swiss Confederation. The contrast between the warm reds of Unterwalden and the cool blues of Lucerne creates a visually striking composition. The intricate detailing of the clothing, heraldic banners, and ceremonial weapons highlights Heinrich Jenny’s artistic skill, making this lithograph an outstanding tribute to Swiss heritage. 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 vibrant, particularly in the deep reds, whites, and blues that define the uniforms and banners. The fine details of the clothing, shading, and facial expressions are well-preserved, maintaining the historical authenticity of the lithograph. Framing Tips: To complement the rich contrast of colors in this lithograph, a dark wood or deep gold frame would enhance its historical elegance. A neutral archival mat in off-white or warm gray would provide balance, ensuring that the bold red and blue hues stand out. UV-resistant glass is recommended to protect the pigments and maintain the clarity of the fine details. A shadow box frame with a floating mount would add depth and enhance the presence of the banner bearers and their ceremonial flags, 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 slight foxing along the margins and mild discoloration on the edges. The colors remain vibrant, particularly in the deep reds, whites, and blues that define the uniforms and banners.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14056-181stDibs: LU3054343959492

More From This Seller

View All
1855 Hand-Colored Lithograph of Swiss Cantonal Troops – Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden
Located in Langweer, NL
The Military Procession of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden in the Bernese Festive Parade This striking hand-colored lithograph is part of the *Fest Album Celebrating Bern’s Entry into ...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

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

Antique Print of Unterwalden, South of Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, 1654
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Underwaldia - Das Landt Underwalden'. View of the city of Unterwalden, the old name of a forest-canton of the Old Swiss Confederacy in central Switzerland, south of Lake Lucerne...
Category

Antique 17th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

The Cantons of Uri and Schwyz – A Celebration of Swiss Heritage & Strength, 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: The Cantons of Uri and Schwyz – A Celebration of Swiss Heritage and Strength Description: This striking hand-colored lithograph is part of the Fest Album Celebrating Bern’s...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

March of the Confederates – The United Cantons and Their Proud Banners, 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
March of the Confederates – The United Cantons and Their Proud Banners, 1855 This vibrant hand-colored lithograph, created by H. Jenny and lithographed by Kümmerly and Wittmer, is...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Pair Antique Prints of The Hypaethral Temple at Philae & Esneh C1855
Located in Big Flats, NY
Pair Antique Prints of The Hypaethral Temple at Philae & Esneh, Framed, C1855 Measures- 17.5"H x 21.5"W x 1"D; sight: 15.75'' x 19.5''
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Herbert Matter Swiss Exhibition Poster on the History of Bathing and Swimming
By Herbert Matter
Located in Essex, MA
A large, original vintage Swiss exhibition poster by celebrated graphic designer, Herbert Matter, for an exhibition at the Museum of Art & Craft in Zu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

N. Currier Lithograph" Pleasures of Winter" American Country Life Series C.1855
By Currier & Ives
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Pleasures of Winter" Maintains the appropriate markings along with "New York, Published by N. Currier 152 Nassau Street. (The firm was located here in lower Manhattan from 1837-1872) The lithograph portrays a woman leaving her stately home with her two children, being escorted by two drivers to ride in a double seated horse drawn sleigh. In the background is a snowy field with other houses and a loaded horse drawn timber sleigh. In addition to the Amon Carter Museum in Dallas, an example of "Pleasures of Winter" is in: The Library of Congress The Springfield Museum (Massachusetts) Gift of Lenore and Sydney Alpert) Metropolitan Museum of Art (Gift of Colgate 1962) Museum of Fine Arts Boston (Donated by Lee M. Friedman) Dimensions: actual= 16 1/2" h x 23 13/16" w matte= 19 1/2" h x 25 1/4" w folio= 21 9/16" h x 27 1/2" w with frame= 26 1/4" h x 32 1/4" w frame= 1 1/4" burl bird's eye maple It is in very good all original condition; and housed and professionally mounted in a fine quality and attractive bird's eye maple wooden frame with preservation backing and frontal protective glass (important when dealing with 170 year old lithographs); it is the rare and desirable Currier large folio sheet example in fine original color. There is minor foxing and a tideline upper center (see images). The larger folios are more rare because they appealed to the wealthier sector of the population and were more expensive, thus fewer were made, albeit, knowing their more discerning customer base, there was more attention given to detail; hand coloring, and quality for example. This example has been framed and housed in museum quality conservation backing for over 80 years. I have had it professionally taken apart and I inspected the folio visually, and examined it with a black light and loop; as a result, I guarantee and can attest to the accuracy of my description of the lithograph. I then had the folio professionally remounted in it's original frame with an upgraded preservation backing (see images of original folios out of frame and for confirmation of inspection). This lithograph has no tears, no touch up paint, and no glued or taped repairs. This is one of the four iconic and highly desirable set of lithographs made by Nathaniel Currier (1813-1888) dated 1855 from the American Country Life series. They are named; Spring "May Morning"; Summer "Summer Evening"; Fall ""October Afternoon"; and Winter "Pleasures of Winter". The lithograph was produced from the painting of well known artist Frances (Fanny) Flora (Bond Palmer (1812-1876). She painted typical American scenes of daily American life that were used by Currier for years to come. She was an accomplished artist by the time she migrated to the United States from England, and Currier commissioned her to do the country scenes for this series. Each of the original images are toned lithographs with applied hand painted watercolor. The lithograph reflects an affluent life style, showcasing grandiose homes and glamorizing the rural way of living as urban areas became more densely populated with the tidal wave and arrival of immigrants. Nathaniel Currier began his lithograph business in 1835 with hand colored images portraying outdoor panoramic, historical, pastoral, and landmark scenes and events, with which the middle class and the wealthy sought to decorate their houses. James Ives (1824-1895) was his accountant) and would join him later in 1857 to help run the business. The hand painted lithograph is embellished with script text in the bottom margin of the folio "Entered according to art of congress in the year 1855 by N. Currier in the clerk's office of the southern district of N.Y." "F.F Palmer...
Category

Antique 1850s American Victorian Prints

Materials

Paper

Ignaz Marcel Gaugengigl (German, 1855-1932) Profile of a Women Drypoint etching
Located in Atlanta, GA
Ignaz Marcel Gaugengigl (German, 1855-1932) Profile of a Women Drypoint etching. A period drypoint etching by the German artist - Profile of a Women or Women with a Bonnet. Many exa...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Prints

Materials

Wood, Paper

19th Century Mayhew Family Tree from Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard from 1855
Located in Nantucket, MA
Very rare 19th century Mayhew Family tree from Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, lithograph on paper laid on linen, printed in 1855, in form of liter...
Category

Antique 1850s American Other Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Linen, Paper

Vintage Original Print Artwork Prosperity in Unity 1998 7/16
Located in Chula Vista, CA
We present Original print artwork prosperity in unity 1998 7/16 Signed art 7.25 x 10 art 5.63 x 7.75 Unrestored Vintage condition art See images.  
Category

1990s Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All