Description
Mounted on a Black Marble Plinth
From our Black Forest collection, we are delighted to introduce this Swiss Black Forest Lucerne Lion Carving. The Lucerne Lion carved from Linden wood with fine detail displaying a direct comparison to the original found In Lucerne, Switzerland. The carving features a Lion lying recumbent upon a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarchy raised upon a stepped black marble plinth base. To the base of the carving the phrase Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti (“To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss” can be seen. The Swiss Black Forest Lucerne Lion Carving dated to the late 19th century circa 1890 and was likely retailed by Laubscher Frères Meiringen known for their Black Forest carvings and Lucerne Lion models in particular.
Reference Swiss Carvings The Art of the ‘Black Forest’ 1820-1940 p.98 and p.163
Lucerne Lion The original Lion is found in Lucerne, Switzerland and was designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and hewn in 1820-21 by Lukas Ahorn to commemorate the Swiss guardsmen who died in 1792 during the French Revolution.
Black Forest is a term used to describe the elaborate, realistic carvings of a vast array of wooden pieces such as clocks and animals. Our Black Forest collection at Jacksons Antique features varying objects of highly desirable carvings such as woodland animal Tobacco Jars. Our aim is to supply that breathtaking piece of Black Forest to add that special edge to any collection or home.
Commonly thought to originate from the Black Forest in Bavaria Germany, Black Forest carvings actually originate from Switzerland. The most recogniseable Black Forest carvings are usually bears carved amongst different pieces such as hat stands, tables and whimsical figures. Black Forest products can also be seen carved into other forest wildlife as well as clocks, music boxes and furniture although these are more uncommon making them highly desirable.
Black Forest items are usually very easy to identify due to the wood, colour and the subjects. Frequently the animals play instruments and can be incorporated into climbing trees, holding benches or begging as part of the Black Forest furniture. Each of the pieces are usually carved from a linden or walnut tree trunk and unsigned. However the earlier pieces can be seen to be signed by renowned carvers such as Johann Huggler and Ruef Brothers. For further information see our article “A well Carved Lesson.
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 with minor age related wear
With every purchase from Jacksons Antique, you will receive our latest product guide, certificate of authenticity, full tracking information so you can monitor your shipment from start to finish and our personal no-hassle, money-back policy giving you that extra confidence when purchasing.
