EUROPEAN CARVED IVORY MODEL, early 19th century,
of the Lucerne Lion Monument of the Swiss Guard, titled ''Helvetiorum Fidel Ac Virtuti'' on an oblong plinth, 3 1/4'' wide, 1 1/4'' high (8 cm x 3cm approx.)
The lion is exquisitely carved in ivory lying with the Swiss coat of arms in the background
he has a spear in his back where he was mortally wounded. This piece is in excellent condition having spent most of its life in a cabinet has prevented any major discolouration, there appears to be a possible slight indentation/slight nick to the base at rear /back see final photo for close up but still has marks of carving
About the lion of Lucerne
The Lion Monument or the Lion of Lucerne, is a sculpture 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, France.
Mark Twain praised the sculpture of a mortally-wounded lion as
''the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world
The monument is dedicated Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti (''To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss'').
The dying lion is portrayed impaled by a spear, covering a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarchy;
beside him is another shield bearing the coat of arms of Switzerland.
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Antique Number: SA347321
Dateline of this antique is 19th Century
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