Switzerland Bern Historical Engraving by Schellenberg after Usteri

Description

Switzerland Bern historical engraving by Johann Rudolf Schellenberg (1740–1806) after a drawing by Johann Martin Usteri (1763–1827). The print bears the engraved inscriptions “Schellenberg fec.” and “Usteri del.” beneath the composition.

The scene presents an encounter outside a timber-built house. Three helmeted soldiers stand beside two men, their long polearms and raised standard forming strong vertical lines against the building. The foremost soldier rests one hand on a large shield decorated with a bear. This heraldic motif suggests a connection with Bern, although the precise historical episode has not been established.

On the right, an elderly bearded man sits on a wooden bench. A walking stick rests diagonally in front of him as he extends an arm towards the soldiers. Another man stands behind him, raising one hand against the timber wall. Their gestures suggest an exchange whose meaning belongs to the original narrative context of the illustration.

The background opens towards a stretch of water and distant hills. A pointed-roof tower stands on the left, contrasting with the heavy timber construction that occupies the right side of the image. The setting provides a detailed backdrop without identifying a specific view of the city of Bern.

Close engraving gives texture to the soldiers’ armour, the heraldic shield, the clothing and the wooden beams. Fine lines and cross-hatching create contrasts between the open landscape and the darker group of figures in the foreground.

The printed credits identify Schellenberg as the engraver and Usteri as the designer. They are inscriptions within the plate rather than handwritten signatures. The exact publication date of this impression is not established.

Dimensions

Sheet: 14.5 × 15 cm.
Engraved area: 13.8 × 14.3 cm.

Condition

Age-toned paper with scattered foxing and small stains. Very narrow margins, uneven edges and worn corners with minor peripheral losses. The reverse retains substantial areas of blue-grey paper from an earlier mounting, with irregular patches where the mounting paper has been removed. Please examine the front, reverse and detail photographs.

Offered unframed, this print will appeal to collectors of Swiss historical illustration, Bern-related imagery, military costume and the work of Schellenberg and Usteri.