Der Abt von Engelberg begnadigt die Rädelsführer der aufrührerischen Talleute 1488

In 1488 (or 1487) the Engelberg valley people rebelled against the monastic rule. After words failed to help, the patron towns (Lucerne, Schwyz and Unterwalden) sent a military delegation of 300 men, restored order and sentenced the instigator Jenni Schwadrauer to death. Abbot Ulrich Stalder, however, as the highest court ruler, pardoned the ringleaders. The patron of the arts David Vogel, father of the painter Ludwig Vogel, was a confectioner and a leading liberal politician from 1798-1831. He supported other artists besides his son, especially the Nazarenes. Before 1798 he belonged to the progressive opposition. This painting was probably commissioned by him and should be seen in connection with the demands of the Zurich countryside which he supported. Source