The Lion Monument located in Lucerne, Switzerland is a sculpture that commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1702 during the French Revolution.
The Lion lies in his lair in the perpendicular face of a low cliff -for he is carved from the living rock of the cliff. His size is colossal, his attitude is noble. His head is bowed, the broken spear is sticking in his shoulder, his protecting paw rests upon the lilies of France. Vines hang down the cliff and wave in the wind, and a clear stream trickles from above and empties into a pond at the base, and in the smooth surface of the pond the lion is mirrored, among the water-lilies.Around about are green trees and grass. The place is sheltered, reposeful woodland nook, remote from noise and stir and confusion - and all this is fitting, for lions do die in such places, and not on granite pedestals in public fenced with fancy iron railings. The Lion of Lucerne would be impressive anywhere, but nowhere so impressive as where he is.
I took these photos in 2005 when I visited Lucerne, Switzerland on one of those whirlwind group tours. I think Mark Twain's description is one of the best that I've read.
Wow, what an impressive sculpture. Very powerful and moving. I love the way it overlooks the water. Thanks for sharing Mark Twain's description too.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great weekend!
Hi Annie, thanks so much for liking my sculpture. Yes, I agree, a very powerful and moving piece of work. Glad you liked Mark Twain's description too. He really captured it so well.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend too!
Great choice of subject matter, Kathy -- and thanks for drawing attention to Mark Twain's wonderful description of the sculpture. :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome! The sculpture is so impressive and I salute those who sacrificed themselves so their future generations could have better lives.
ReplyDeleteA very impressive sculpture, must have been very difficult to create it !
ReplyDeleteHi girls, thanks so much for your comments....
ReplyDeleteYTSL, Mark says it so well, I was speechless and couldn't write anything to describe it after reading his description. :)
ECL, yes, so true. the sculpture really conveys the emotions of that sacrafice so well.
Gattina, I agree. Amazing work in sculpting such a detailed and amazing piece right into this cliff.
Thanks everyone. Have a wonderful weekend.