bavarikon4UDescription
When the Electorate of Bavaria's troops moved into Bamberg on 3 September 1802, the spiritual rule that had shaped the prince-bishopric and the city since the foundation of the diocese in 1007 came to an end. The military takeover was followed by a civil restructure. The civilian military was created in 1807 to guarantee public order. The members of the civilian military wore uniforms like the regular army so they could be recognised as security forces. The Bavarian government tolerated the wearing of older uniforms in order to reduce the financial burden for citizens. The civilian army's colourful outfits were often more amusing than terrifying, as the Prussian E. T. A. Hoffmann observed with the critical eye of a newcomer. He came from Berlin to Bamberg as a director of music in 1808. During his five years in Bamberg he created the 'Fantasiestücke in Callots Manier' with his most famous story, 'Der goldne Topf' as well as numerous decorative designs, portraits and drawings. His caricature effectively contrasts six grotesque members of the Bamberg civilian military with two correctly dressed royal soldiers passing by uninvolved in the background.
The drawing came to the Staatsbibliothek Bamberg from the possession of Hoffmann's friend and publisher Carl Friedrich Kunz (1785-1849) via Joseph Heller's graphics collection (1798-1849).
Author
Bettina Wagner