Swiss Black Forest Lucerne Lion Carving circa 1890

Description CARVED LION MONUMENT MODEL ON MARBLE BASE From our Black Forest collection, we are delighted to introduce this Swiss Black Forest Lucerne Lion Carving, dating to the late 19th century circa 1890. Hand carved from linden wood with remarkable attention to detail, the piece closely follows the celebrated Lion Monument in Lucerne, Switzerland, designed in 1820–1821 to honour the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. The carving shows the lion lying recumbent upon a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarchy, mounted on a stepped black marble plinth base. The Latin dedication Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti (“To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss”) is inscribed to the base, echoing the original monument. This example was likely retailed by Laubscher Frères of Meiringen, a renowned workshop celebrated for producing models of the Lucerne Lion alongside other fine Black Forest carvings. An evocative and historically significant carving, it combines the charm of Swiss folk art with a direct connection to one of Switzerland’s most famous landmarks. Reference Swiss Carvings The Art of the ‘Black Forest’ 1820-1940 page 98 and 163 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. 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. 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 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. Don’t forget to sign up to our free monthly newsletter for 10% off your first online purchase.