The Swiss Art of Cutting Paper

The art of paper cutting has become a folkloric tradition in Switzerland.

It is difficult to really define its origins, but it is thought that this technique has existed before the invention of paper itself, as some discoveries date from back to 206 B.C (Han dynasty). This style of paper cutting then probably reached Europe around the 1600s, and became one of the favourite activities of the religious in Switzerland during the Counter-Reform (XVII s).

The style is called 'canivet' (Spitzenbild) as it is achieved with a pocket knife ('canif' in French). It is also very much a privilege of the aristocracy, as all young ladies from good families have to practice the art of paper cutting.

Paper cutting was then strongly influenced by Etienne de Silhouette (1709–1767), Jean Huber (1721–1786), and Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875), then became a middle-class pastime.

Etienne de Silhouette (1709–1767)

Jean Huber (1721–1786)

Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875)

 

Many artists worked without even sketching a drawing first.

In Switzerland, this art-form spread out to the countryside. Among the most famous artists were Johann Jakob Hauswirth (1809–1871) and Louis David Saugy (1871–1953). Most of their works represented the nature, the mountains and the love of their country. It is without doubt because "the Swiss are unable to override their origins as a tough, mountain people" ("Xenophobe's Guide to the Swiss", Paul Bilton).

Johann Jakob Hauswirth (1809–1871)

Louis David Saugy (1871–1953) : Musée du Vieux Pays-d'Enhaut, Château d'Oex