Description
This Swiss Black Forest Lion of Lucerne Carving dates to the late nineteenth century, circa 1890. Carved from linden wood, it is modelled after the Lion Monument in Lucerne, Switzerland, created in 1820 to 1821 in memory of the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution.
The recumbent lion rests across a shield bearing the fleur de lis of the French monarchy, with the body, mane and facial features carved in detail. The figure is mounted on a stepped black marble base inscribed Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti, meaning “To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss”, following the inscription found on the original monument.
Models of the Lion of Lucerne were produced by several Black Forest workshops during the nineteenth century. This example was likely retailed by Laubscher Frères of Meiringen, a firm known for producing carved versions of the monument alongside other Swiss Black Forest carvings.
View the full Black Forest Carvings collection.
Measurements
Total 23cm High x 43cm Wide x 19.5cm Deep (9 x 16.9 x 7.7 Inches)
Carving Only 14.5cm High x 33.5cm Wide x 12cm Deep (5.7 x 13.2 x 4.7 Inches)
Condition
Very Good antique condition
Literature
Swiss Carvings The Art of the ‘Black Forest’ 1820-1940 page 98 and 163
What is the Lucerne Lion?
The Lucerne Lion Monument in Switzerland, designed by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen and carved by Lukas Ahorn in 1820–1821, is one of Europe’s most famous memorials. It was created to commemorate the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending King Louis XVI during the storming of the Tuileries Palace in Paris in 1792. The colossal rock relief shows a mortally wounded lion resting on shields bearing the fleur-de-lis of France and the Swiss cross, symbolising loyalty and sacrifice. Described by Mark Twain as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world,” the Lucerne Lion remains a powerful national symbol and a celebrated landmark, visited by over a million people each year.
For further information please see our article The Lion of Lucerne and Its Legacy in Swiss Black Forest Carvings.
WHAT ARE BLACK FOREST CARVINGS?
Swiss Black Forest carvings are highly collectible hand-carved works of art, originating from Brienz, Switzerland in the 19th century. Typically crafted from linden wood or walnut, these pieces feature intricate depictions of animals, daily Alpine life, and whimsical figures. Popular subjects include bears, stags, dogs, eagles, and boars, with rarer animals and larger carvings commanding premium value. Collectors prize quality, realistic detailing, original glass eyes, and occasional carvers’ signatures, all of which significantly enhance desirability.
For further information please see our article on Swiss Black Forest Carvings.
WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE?
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