Samengesteld groepsportret van toneelspelers als leiders van de Drei Bünde tijdens de Calven-Feier te Chur before 1899

This composite group portrait by Lienhard & Salzborn depicts actors dressed as leaders of the Three Leagues during the Calven celebration in Chur. The image offers a fascinating glimpse into the construction of historical identity in Switzerland, likely in the late 19th century. The Calven celebration commemorated a significant military victory, and by portraying actors in these roles, the artwork blurs the lines between historical reenactment, theatrical performance, and civic identity. Consider how the choice of actors to embody these historical figures speaks to the relationship between spectacle, memory, and national pride. The Three Leagues were themselves a product of complex social and political forces. To understand this image fully, we might turn to theater history, the history of Swiss nationalism, and the local histories of Chur. Through such research, we can better understand the social and institutional contexts that gave rise to this intriguing artwork.