"City air makes one free"
Stadtluft Macht Frei a German principle of law from the middle ages.
During the 14th century, the Black Death killed millions of people in Europe. This lead to a fundamental shift in power from the ruling class to the working class.
Because of the drastic reduction in skilled labor, it's value rose. Peasants who had previously been indentured servants to the lord of the land could now farm out their talent to the highest bidder. Craftsmen began to get together to form guilds which eventually became cities.
In Germany, if you lived in a guild controled city for a year and a day, you could no longer be claimed by any lord as his servant. Moving to the city literally granted you freedom.
Today the city is still a place for freedom but, of the mind instead of the body.
Screen print on sheet metal | 23" X 35"
Limited Edition of 50
Illustration by Dr.Blade
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"City air makes one free"
Stadtluft Macht Frei a German principle of law from the middle ages.
During the 14th century, the Black Death killed millions of people in Europe. This lead to a fundamental shift in power from the ruling class to the working class.
Because of the drastic reduction in skilled labor, it's value rose. Peasants who had previously been indentured servants to the lord of the land could now farm out their talent to the highest bidder. Craftsmen began to get together to form guilds which eventually became cities.
In Germany, if you lived in a guild controled city for a year and a day, you could no longer be claimed by any lord as his servant. Moving to the city literally granted you freedom.
Today the city is still a place for freedom but, of the mind instead of the body.
Screen print on sheet metal | 23" X 35"
Limited Edition of 50
Illustration by Dr.Blade