Vintage wood carving of the lion of lucerne represents the ultimate sacrifice in French history. Mortally wounded his paw still guards a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarchy, beside him the shield bearing the coat of arms of Switzerland represents the Swiss guards. This vintage wall hanging appears to be carved from beech or yew wood.

The original is a rock relief in Lucerne, Switzerland, designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and hewn in 1820–21 by Lukas Ahorn. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris.

Marked:
Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti ("To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss")
DIE X AUGUSTI, II ET III SEPTEMBRIS MDCCXCCII

Translation marked on back in ink

“in honor of the military staff of the former Swiss Guard regiment in French royal service, who died on August 10 and September 2 and 3, 1792.”


MEASUREMENTS

Carving measures 10“ wide by 7.75" tall by 1" deep and weighs 1lb 7oz.

CONDITION

In good condition, with the usual staining commensurate with age, (please see all photographs for the description).

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