Standard bearer of the Zunft zu Webern (weavers' guild)

Description

The large panel with the gonfalonier of the Basle guild of wool and linen weavers is a superb example of Basle glass painting from the second half of the C16. Though unsigned, the work is assigned to the important Basle glass painter Ludwig Ringler on the grounds of style. It was donated in 1560 for the renovated guildhall by the members of the guild committee. Since 1989 the Museum has also been in possession of the full size cartoon, showing the panel, which has been cut down on the shorter sides, as it was originally designed. The representation of the splendidly attired and armed standard bearer in a confident, victorious pose before the field of battle evokes the glorious period around 1500 when the citizens marched into battle under their guild banners. The battle scene, delicately painted in silver, the landscape and the busy and rather flat architecture of the frame reveal the influence of Netherlandish Mannerism.