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

The Lance Bearer and Musicians: A Grand Swiss Procession in 19th-Century Bern

$643.72
£477.58
€540
CA$881.29
A$987.33
CHF 513.90
MX$12,023.76
NOK 6,546.44
SEK 6,164.90
DKK 4,111.65
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

The Lance Bearer and Musicians: A Grand Swiss Procession in 19th-Century Bern This print 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, the series of hand-colored lithographs by Heinrich Jenny and lithographed by Kümmerly and Wittmer captures the grandeur of a historical procession featuring Swiss guilds, civic groups, and military formations. Depiction of the Procession This particular lithograph showcases a ceremonial marching band, labeled 'Musik,' led by a 'Lanzenträger' or lance bearer on horseback. The composition exudes movement and rhythm, with the mounted figure at the forefront, holding a banner adorned with six green leaves arranged in two vertical columns on a white field, a possible reference to a local Bernese civic group or a guild emblem. The marching musicians, dressed in coordinated red uniforms with white accents and feathered caps, play an array of brass instruments and drums, reinforcing the celebratory atmosphere of the event. The mounted banner carrier is dressed in an elegant red and white tunic with green accents, matching the banner’s color scheme. His pose, with one arm confidently holding the standard while guiding the horse forward, emphasizes the pageantry and order of the procession. The musicians follow in perfect formation, playing their instruments, their expressions conveying a sense of pride and discipline. Historical Context Music played a vital role in civic and military ceremonies in the 19th century, especially in commemorations such as this. Bands accompanied public celebrations, military parades, and religious festivals, reinforcing the collective spirit and unity of the participants. The inclusion of a lance bearer leading the musicians suggests a connection to Switzerland’s medieval military traditions, where heraldic banners and lances were used to signal movements on the battlefield and in civic processions. The presence of this marching ensemble in the *Fest Album* highlights its significance in Swiss celebrations, honoring the historical unity of Bern with the Confederation. Events like these allowed different guilds and social groups to showcase their distinct identities while collectively paying tribute to their shared heritage. Condition and Framing Suggestions The print is in good overall condition, with some signs of aging, including minor foxing along the edges and slight discoloration in the margins. The colors remain well-preserved, with the reds and greens of the uniforms and banners still vivid. The detailing of the musicians' expressions, feathered hats, and instruments remains sharp, retaining the artistic finesse of the original lithograph. For framing, a dark or warm wooden frame would provide an elegant contrast to the bright reds and whites of the composition. An off-white archival mat would highlight the intricate details without overwhelming the image, while UV-protective glass would ensure the longevity of the colors. A wider frame with a slight texture could enhance the historical feel, making it a refined addition to any collection of Swiss historical prints or 19th-century European lithographs. This print is an exceptional representation of Swiss civic culture, illustrating the deep traditions of pageantry, music, and historical remembrance in Bernese society.
  • 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 overall condition, with some signs of aging, including minor foxing along the edges and slight discoloration in the margins. The colors remain well-preserved, with the reds and greens of the uniforms and banners still vivid.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14056-211stDibs: LU3054343959562

More From This Seller

View All
1855 Ceremonial Procession in Switzerland – The Riders & Their Leader and Banner
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 1855 Ceremonial Procession – The Riders with Their Leader and Banner This striking hand-colored lithograph, created by H. Jenny and lithographed by Kümmerly and Wittmer, is...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

1855 Swiss Procession – Hans von Breitenlandenberg and the Zurich Banner
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 1855 Swiss Procession – Hans von Breitenlandenberg and the Zurich Banner Description: This impressive hand-colored lithograph, created by H. Jenny and lithographed by Kümm...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Rudolf von Erlach Leading the Swiss in Grand Festival Procession, 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
Rudolf von Erlach Leading the Swiss in Grand Festival Procession This striking hand-colored lithograph is part of the Fest Album Celebrating Bern’s Entry into the Swiss Confederat...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Marten Banner Carrier and Swiss Military Musicians in Festive Procession, 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Marten Banner Carrier and Swiss Military Musicians in Festive Procession Description: This elegant hand-colored lithograph, created by H. Jenny and lithographed by Kümmerl...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Berchtold von Wyzzenburg and His Banner Bearers in the Bernese Procession, 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
Berchtold von Wyzzenburg and His Banner Bearers in the Bernese Festive Procession This finely detailed hand-colored lithograph is part of the 'Fest Album Celebrating Bern’s Entry in...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

1855 Chivalric Procession in Switzerland– The Count of Bregenz and His Banner
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 1855 Chivalric Procession – The Count of Bregenz and His Banner Description: This exquisite hand-colored lithograph, created by H. Jenny and lithographed by Kümmerly and W...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Engraving of Maximilian I° Roman Emperor "Knights in a Parade"
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
ST/728-2. Engraving of Maximilian I°, Roman emperor, from the original engravings "The triumph of Maximilian " of the 16th and 17th centuries by Albrecht...
Category

Early 20th Century European Other Prints

Materials

Paper

Old Original Engraving with soldiers characters France 19th set of 10
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is an engraving, with blue, Red colors. Representing Soldiers in place Vendôme, and Place du Chatelet in Paris.. It has been made in France in the 19th Century. With the collect...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Prints

Materials

Paper

Parade - Lithograph by Auguste Raffet - 1831
Located in Roma, IT
Parade is an Original Lithograph realized by Auguste Raffet in 1831. Hand-Signed by the artist on the lower right corner. Good conditions on a cream colored cardboard. Denis Augus...
Category

1830s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

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

Army I Swiss Regiment - Lithograph by Antonio Zezon - 1854
By Antonio Zezon
Located in Roma, IT
Army I Swiss Regiment is an original lithograph by Antonio Zezon. Naples 1854. Interesting colored lithograph which describes some members of the Army Swiss Regiment: in the foregro...
Category

1850s 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