Artwork
Fasnachtshelge "Alti Dante"
Fasnachtshelge "Alti Dante" is an unspecified painting by Max Rickenbacher-Hufschmid. It dates from 1957 and is held in the collection of the Archaeology and Museum Baselland. Fasnachtshelge “Alti Dante” is an image created around 1957 by Swiss artist Max Rickenbacher‑Hufschmid.
About this work
Overview
Fasnachtshelge “Alti Dante” is an image created around 1957 by Swiss artist Max Rickenbacher‑Hufschmid. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and depicts a pair of masked figures in a stark white field. Its composition and palette evoke the festive atmosphere of traditional carnival celebrations.
Subject & Meaning
The picture presents two masked participants, each with a bright yellow face, elongated nose and mouth, and elaborate headgear.
The picture presents two masked participants, each with a bright yellow face, elongated nose and mouth, and elaborate headgear. Both wear hats embellished with feathers and flowers, while their garments differ: the left figure dons a black jacket with a purple collar, the right a blue shirt with a matching purple collar. The pairing suggests a dialogue between contrasting costumes within a shared ritual context.
Technique & Style
Rendered in flat, vivid colors and outlined with bold lines, the image reflects a folk‑art aesthetic. The simplified forms and decorative details recall the visual language of carnival masks, while the lack of depth and the stark white background emphasize the two-dimensional, graphic quality of the composition.
History & Provenance
The work was produced in the late 1950s, a period when Rickenbacher‑Hufschmid explored regional customs through visual art. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it contributes to the institution’s documentation of Swiss folk traditions and festive attire.
Context
“Alti Dante” belongs to a broader series of carnival‑related images that Rickenbacher‑Hufschmid created to record the visual culture of Fasnacht, the Swiss pre‑Lenten celebration. The piece captures the playful spirit of the event, aligning with mid‑century interests in preserving local heritage through accessible, decorative imagery.
Artist & collection
Artist
Max Rickenbacher-Hufschmid spent years drawing the same carnival clowns in Basel’s back alleys.
