Mediaeval craftsmen

In the late Middle Ages, craftsmen had to produce everything needed for daily living: indeed, even today, we refer to the Latin-derived word “manufacture” for all forms of modern production, although the word actually means “made by hand”. In Frundsberg’s time, everything depended on a worker’s skill – and strength. And so, the camp of the medieval craftsmen on the church square displays a unique link between past and present. “Manufacturers” from the region provide insights into historical ways of production. A chiseller is carving out the frightening contours of a dragon. A goldsmith designs delicate and precious jewellery. Bricklayers are constructing a wall with elegant gothic windows. In the hands of the hat maker, a small piece of felt changes with the help of a lot of steam into all different kinds of hats and caps. Ladies are painstakingly spinning fine threads for lace-making. Young maids are arranging flowers and box-twigs into neat garlands. With a fine eye and a thin brush, the details of Mindelheim are fixed on the canvas by a painter. A blacksmith is forging a piece of iron. Finally and though not quite qualifying as craftsmen, there are the peasant-farmers, whose hands guarantee the supply of all necessary nourishment like eggs, milk, vegetables, fruits, meat and grain to the townspeople.