Entwurf zum Festzug 1879 – Die Bierbrauer 1879

Hans Makart painted this preparatory sketch entitled "Entwurf zum Festzug 1879 – Die Bierbrauer" in 1879. Makart's work often reflected the cultural milieu of Vienna's high society, and this sketch provides insight into the city's festive traditions. This sketch captures a segment of a parade, celebrating the brewers, likely for a public festival or procession. The sketch provides a glimpse into the socio-economic landscape of the time, where guilds like the brewers held significant cultural and economic sway. It is important to recognize that these festivals, while seemingly inclusive, often reinforced existing power structures and social hierarchies. The depiction of the brewers' parade normalizes the idea of national identity through the celebration of local industries. It also prompts us to think critically about the role of art in shaping collective memory and cultural identity. While appearing celebratory, it is worth questioning whose stories are being told and whose are being left out.