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Albrecht Gessler, Habsburg bailiff at Altdorf, 14th century
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Albrecht Gessler, Habsburg bailiff at Altdorf, 14th century
Albrecht Gessler, Habsburg bailiff at Altdorf and arch enemy of William Tell, 14th century. Il Governatore Gesslero. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Verico from Giulio Ferrarios Costumes Ancient and Modern of the Peoples of the World, Il Costume Antico e Moderno, Florence, 1837
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Media ID 23385026
© Florilegius
Albrecht Altdorf Antico Aristocrat Bailiff Chicken Ferrario Feudal Gessler Gift Giulio Goat Governor Habsburg Moderno Peasants Peoples Verico Wool 14th
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In this 15th-century illustration, Albrecht Gessler, the Habsburg bailiff of Altdorf, stands proudly atop a rocky outcropping, overlooking the picturesque landscape of Switzerland. Dressed in the finery of a medieval aristocrat, Gessler's regal attire contrasts sharply with the simple garb of the peasants below. The engraving, titled "Il Governatore Gesslero" or "Gessler the Governor," is an exquisite hand-colored copperplate engraving from Giulio Ferrario's "Costumes Ancient and Modern of the Peoples of the World," published in Florence in 1837. Gessler's tenure as bailiff was marked by his harsh and oppressive rule. He demanded that the peasants bring him their finest gifts – a goat, a chicken, or a piece of wool – as a sign of their loyalty and submission. This demand, known as the "Landerberg Decree," infuriated the local population, and tensions between the peasants and their lord reached a boiling point. The most famous story associated with Albrecht Gessler is the legend of William Tell. According to the tale, Tell, a skilled marksman, refused to comply with Gessler's decree and was sentenced to death. In a daring act of defiance, Tell shot an apple from his son's head, demonstrating his marksmanship and earning his freedom. This story has become a symbol of Swiss resistance against oppressive rule and has been immortalized in art, literature, and popular culture. This stunning illustration offers a glimpse into the feudal society of the 14th century, where the divide between the aristocracy and the peasantry was vast, and the balance of power was tenuous at best. The intricate details of Gessler's clothing, the lush landscape, and the tense atmosphere all combine to create a captivating and thought-provoking image that continues to resonate with audiences today.
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