Monuments Class Projects
Architect/Sculptor of Monument
Bertel Thorvaldsen
Preview
Medium
Photograph, carte-de-viste
Keywords
Lion Monument; Lucerne, Switzerland; French Revolution, Insurrections of 1792, 1792; Swiss Gaurds; Tuileries Palace; Massacre: History - France - Paris; cartes-de-visite, Bertel Thorvaldesen; Lukas Ahorn
Physical Dimensions
6.1 cm wide, 10cm long
Date of Publication
18uu
Name of Monument
Lion of Lucerne
Date of Completion or Dedication of Monument
1821
City of Monument
Lucerne
Location within City
Denkmalstrasse
State/Province of Monument
Switzerland
Country of Monument
Switzerland
Description
A carte-de-visite historical photograph of The Lion Monument, popularly called the Lion of Lucerne. This rock sculpture is dedicated to the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792. Sculpted by Bertel Thorvaldsen
School of Art/Architecture
Neoclassical
Digital Date
1-19-2022
Copyright
Original physical carte-de-viste is in the public domain. Digital copy scanned by Rod Library, ©2022 Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
File Format
image/jpeg
Comments
Background
In the middle of the city of Lucerne, Switzerland, a carving in a cliff serves as the country's most notable monument. A sculpture of a giant lion pierced by a spear is on display above a pond located on Denkmalstrasse, or "Monument Road." This rock sculpture is more than just a decorative piece of neoclassical art. The monument is dedicated to the Swiss guards who had perished during the French Revolution. To keep the memory of these fallen soldiers, sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen was commissioned to design this monument. In 1821, the “Lion of Lucerne," or the "Lion Monument," would be revealed with mixed reviews, but one famous American author would change the legacy and perception of the monument forever.
In 1792, the brutalities of the French Revolution would come to light during an insurrection directed toward the French Monarchy. Swiss guards, who were present in France due to the country's close relationships, fell victim to the insurrection and were killed during the fighting. According to "Under French Rule," approximately 760 Swiss guards had died trying to protect the French Monarchy. Following the revolution, funding by Karl Pfyffer, a former Swiss guard, and many royal houses in the Swiss aristocracy started for a monument to be erected.
In 1821, Bertel Thorvaldsen revealed the Lion Monument to the public. Bertel Thorvaldsen had designed it, and Lukas Ahorn had cut the stone. The neoclassical style and symbolism for the fallen soldiers bring a somber remembrance to anyone who visits this sculpture. The initial reaction by the public was varied. Many did not appreciate a monument honoring those who died for a foreign cause. However, Mark Twain would document the Lion of Lucerne in his travel book, A Tramp Abroad. Twain stated that the sculpture was "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world." His evident admiration for the Lion Monument helped change the viewpoint of the sculpture into a positive one.
Overall, the Lion of Lucerne serves as a memorial of remembrance. Its symbolism, design, and background captivate the memory of the fallen Swiss guards during the French Revolution. The Lion monument will continue on its legacy and serve as a popular tourist attraction in the city of Lucerne.
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At the bottom, on the back side, it says “Prints of this picture always can be reordered”
Hand written description of the Lion of Lucerne. Mentions its dedication to fallen Swiss Guards in 1792 and the sculpture being cut out of Sand Stone