About this sheet
March of the Butchers and Tanners in the Festive Procession of Bern
This beautifully hand-colored lithograph is from the Fest Album Celebrating Bern’s Entry into the Swiss Confederation on March 6, 1353, an elaborate commemorative work published in Bern and Zurich in 1855. The album was created to mark the 500th anniversary of Bern’s membership in the Confederation and captures the grandeur of the historical procession with detailed depictions of guilds, cantonal representatives, and noble figures in lavish attire.
This particular lithograph, designed by H. Jenny and lithographed by Kümmerly and Wittmer, showcases a regiment of butchers and tanners marching in formation. The participants are arranged in disciplined rows, wearing red and green tunics, with feathered caps and ornamental accents on their garments. The butchers, dressed primarily in red, carry large cleavers over their shoulders, signifying their trade, while the tanners, in green, march with halberds, highlighting their status as an essential part of the city’s guild structure.
The inclusion of butchers and tanners in such a prestigious procession underscores the significance of trade guilds in Bernese society during the late Middle Ages and early modern period. Guilds not only controlled commerce and regulated their respective trades but also played a role in city governance and defense. The martial presentation of these figures reflects their historical function as an organized militia, ready to defend their city when called upon.
The composition of the lithograph is meticulously structured, with figures marching in precise order, their attire and accessories rendered with great attention to detail. The hand-coloring brings vibrancy to the image, emphasizing the contrast between the guilds’ colors and the pale background, which accentuates their disciplined movement.
Condition: The print remains in very good condition, with only minor signs of aging, including occasional light foxing along the margins. The hand-coloring is well-preserved, maintaining the richness of the reds and greens that define the participants’ uniforms.
Framing Tips: For optimal display, this lithograph would benefit from a dark wooden or gold-gilded frame, which complements the historical nature of the scene. A neutral off-white or cream-colored museum mat will enhance the vibrancy of the colors while adding a refined presentation. UV-protective glass is recommended to safeguard the delicate hand-coloring from fading over time.
This print is a remarkable historical document of Bernese civic and military pride, making it a valuable addition for collectors of Swiss history, guild traditions, and historical costume studies.
