Design for a Book Illustration 1740 - 1803

Franz Sigrist made this pen and gray ink drawing, Design for a Book Illustration, likely in Switzerland during the late 18th century. We see a king on his throne alongside an allegorical figure of Justice, while sailors unload cargo from a ship. The image illustrates the intersection of royal power, legal systems, and maritime trade, reflecting the economic and political realities of the time. Switzerland, though landlocked, played a crucial role in European commerce. It was shaped by its complex relationship with surrounding empires, and its dependence on trade routes passing through the Alps. Sigrist's imagery speaks to the era's burgeoning merchant class and the legal frameworks needed to govern international commerce. The drawing also presents the institutions of power. The king's presence underscores the role of monarchy, while the figure of Justice embodies the emerging importance of legal structures in regulating economic activity. By examining archival sources, such as trade records and legal documents, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social conditions that shaped the artwork.