Zwischen Zunft und Fabrik

Shortly after the end of the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), the reconstruction of Saxony established it as a leading economic location in Germany. This process, referred to as Rétablissement, led to the emergence of a diverse economic landscape. The medieval craftsmen's guilds experienced a renaissance. Private entrepreneurship gained importance, and international financial capital and expertise flowed into the economy of the Chemnitz region. Decentralized manufactories became significant milestones on the path to the establishment of the first factories. The cityscape and the mentality of the people underwent a profound transformation. A variety of representation and ritual objects illustrate the dominance of the guilds at that time. Sensational machines that were developed in Chemnitz in the 1770s, along with clothing and intricate printing models, demonstrate that people successfully faced challenges and elevated artisanal production to a new level.